There has been a lot of medal talk in the build-up to 2023's Carabao Cup final.
It has largely centred on the peculiar case of Martin Dubravka. The Newcastle goalkeeper spent the first half of the season on loan at Manchester United and played twice in the tournament before he was recalled by his parent club in January.
However, the Slovenian has been cup-tied for the League Cup so can't play in Sunday's final against his former club, leaving Loris Karius to take the place of the suspended Nick Pope. That has led to jokes Dubravka could be in line for a winner's medal even if United win thanks to his contributions to Erik ten Hag's side in the early rounds.
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But there is also the question of whether Cristiano Ronaldo would be due a medal after playing for the club earlier this season before his sudden departure in December.
Ronaldo did not play in the competition for United this season but there is no rule to say he would not be able to receive a winner's medal, should United wish to give him one. The decision is completely at the club's discretion.
The EFL rule 20.2 on the awarding of medals states: "In addition to the Cup, the Management Committee shall present thirty souvenirs to the winning Club in the Final Tie; and thirty souvenirs to the losing Club in the Final Tie. Additional souvenirs may be presented with the consent of the Management Committee but shall be at the cost of the requesting Club."
United will be in no need of additional medals as only 27 players have represented the club in the competition meaning there certainly would be one spare for the club to give to Ronaldo if they wished.
However, while there is nothing in the rules preventing a medal from being handed to a player no longer at the club, like Dubravka and Ronaldo, the fact the Portuguese didn't play in any of United's matches during their run to the final makes it unlikely that he'll be receiving one in the post.
Given the amount of honours Ronaldo has won during his glittering career, it's unlikely he'll lose sleep over not receiving a winner's medal this time around should United lift the trophy. The 38-year-old won the League Cup twice during his first spell with United, in 2006 and 2009.
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