Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United under a cloud earlier this season but the forward could still receive a Carabao Cup winners’ medal – but the decision rests with his former club
Manchester United could choose to award Cristiano Ronaldo a Carabao Cup winners’ medal after their Wembley success.
The Red Devils, who hadn’t won a trophy for six years, claimed the first piece of silverware of the season by beating Newcastle at Wembley. First-half goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford ensured their renaissance under Erik ten Hag continues.
The Dutchman has made an instant impact in Manchester following his summer switch from Ajax. His handling of Ronaldo caused a stir before the forward’s sudden departure last year. Ten Hag marginalised the Portuguese star, restricting him to a squad role – and failing to utilise him in the Carabao Cup.
Ronaldo did not play in any of the six matches United played in throughout the competition, but he would still be eligible for a medal, should United want to hand him one. The superstar, now at Al-Nassr, already has the competition on his CV, winning it twice during his first spell in Manchester.
A third could yet be added with the EFL rule 20.2 on the awarding of medals stating: “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 is spare should they wish to recognise Ronaldo, whose legacy, in the eyes of some, has been tarnished following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester earlier this season ( Image: PA)
The club opted to terminate his contract at Old Trafford, which freed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to find a new club after he’d expressed a desire to leave Manchester just months earlier. A lack of offers came in from Europe’s elite, with Ronaldo stating his desire to continue playing in the Champions League. He eventually chose to move to Saudi Arabia, where he is earning record-breaking sums.
Ronaldo had only been back at the club for 18 months after leaving Juventus. He was United’s top scorer in his first season back, but faced criticism for his attitude and demeanour, which saw him complain when substituted or left out.
United’s success at Wembley on Sunday means that Ten Hag is the eighth manager to claim a trophy whilst in charge of the club. Ernest Mangall, Sir Matt Busby, Tommy Docherty, Ron Atkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho are the other seven.
source: mirror.co.uk
