The judgement of Eddie Howe may have given Manchester United an advantage over Newcastle.

Marcus Rashford, of Manchester United, is expected to play in the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

Rashford, who was born in Wythenshawe, has always backed United and likely have fantasised about playing at Wembley as a child, albeit that lad with lofty dreams might not have believed he would be where he is now, teetering on world-class ability.

The 25-year-old is having the best season of his career and will be hoping to continue his unbeaten run at Wembley this weekend against Newcastle, assuming he is assessed fit to play after injuring his ankle on Thursday.

Rashford has lost twice at Wembley Stadium for Manchester United, both times against Chelsea in the FA Cup. He’ll be more aware of the club’s trophy drought than anyone else, and he can play a vital role in ending it.

The Premier League is a global product and the best players across the world travel to British shores to play, but United supporters will always cherish having one of their own in the first-team, especially on an occasion like a cup final at Wembley.

Newcastle fans share this trait with their Manchester rivals. Despite their lack of success, the North East club has a devoted following, and they’ll be loud and proud this weekend at Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden in London.

Thousands of Tyneside fans planning to travel to London will also enjoy watching Sean Longstaff, who was once linked with a £50 million move to Old Trafford, and Dan Burn in their starting lineup at Wembley.

Longstaff, who was disillusioned with football under Steve Bruce, has experienced a great comeback under Eddie Howe, and Burn, who is a natural centre-back, has succeeded at left-back, surprise.

Burn had mixed feelings when Newcastle was taken over by a Saudi-led consortium, telling his father that he feared his opportunity of playing for his hometown club was gone, but he got the call he sought last January and has been instrumental in their rise.

When asked if having a strong local contingent in his squad was vital, Howe replied, “Definitely.” That is something I strongly believe in. I’m a firm believer in local guys coming up through the ranks. They are familiar with the club.

“They understand the club’s atmosphere. The men [Longstaff and Burn] in particular, as well as Mark Gillespie, represent the club so well and also educate the young players who come in, which I believe is an important process.”

Howe values Burn so much that he has started a natural centre-back at left-back for 19 of his 22 Premier League starts this season, despite the fact that he is 6ft6in tall and may be susceptible against United’s dynamic forwards.

When United and Newcastle met at Old Trafford in October, the game ended 0-0, and Burn began at left-back against Antony. Newcastle held a clean sheet, and Burn was brought down with 10 minutes remaining, but it may have happened sooner.

He received a yellow card in the first half for a cynical challenge and was destined to be sent off against a crafty Antony, who appears to be half his height. United pushed for a winner in the closing stages, and it was no surprise to see Burn replaced.

Burn is a capable defender who has earned a starting spot in the league’s best defence this season, but he is vulnerable against elite, creative wingers and should be targeted by Erik ten Hag at Wembley.

The pace of the Reds’ assault could pose issues for him, and Antony, in particular, whose confidence should be boosted by scoring against Barcelona in the Europa League, should triumph in their personal combat.

After defeating Barcelona, Ten Hag described Antony as “fearless,” and it will be his responsibility to instill fear in Burn.