Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka could be awarded a Carabao Cup winner’s medal if Manchester United win this month’s final at Wembley.
Despite joining the Red Devils on a season-long loan in August, the Slovakian international was recalled to St James’ Park by Eddie Howe’s Magpies last month.
Following the 34-year-old’s early return to Tyneside, Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils acted swiftly and filled the void by signing Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.
While there’s every chance that Butland might not make his United debut, Dubravka’s involvement for the season could be all but over too.
With Nick Pope being Newcastle’s undisputed number one, the Magpies shock FA Cup third-round exit to League One side Sheffield Wednesday, which saw Dubravka mark his return, is likely to be the former Sparta Prague goalkeeper’s first and only outing for his parent club during the 2022-23 campaign, barring an injury or suspension occurring to Pope.
Will Martin Dubravka be awarded a winner’s medal if Manchester United win the Carabao Cup?
With both of Dubravka’s appearances for Manchester United coming in the Carabao Cup this season against Aston Villa and Burnley, the 30-time Slovakia international is ineligible to feature at Wembley.
But if Manchester United do win their first trophy since 2017, Dubravka could be walking past his crestfallen Newcastle teammates to pick up a winners medal.
The rule governing the distribution of medals at the final reads: “In addition to the Cup, the Management Committee shall present 30 souvenirs to the winning Club in the Final Tie and 30 souvenirs to the losing Club. Additional souvenirs may be presented with the consent of the Management Committee but shall be at the cost of the requesting Club.”
So if the twenty-time league champions want to reward every player whose featured in the run to Wembley, alongside Ten Hag and his coaching staff, there is every chance Dubravka could be getting his hands on a winner’s medal.