The 2023 Carabao Cup final saw Newcastle United lose to Manchester United, as the Magpies travelled back up north empty handed.
Newcastle United had dreams of ending their trophy drought, with supporters taking over London and painting Wembley black and white.
While it was a tremendous occasion, it was one that ended in defeat for the Magpies. Newcastle lost 2-0 to Manchester United, with goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
They celebrated with the trophy and their medals after the game, while there was also a medal for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Manchester United gave Martin Dubravka his medal after beating Newcastle United
The 36-year-old was not involved in the 2023 Carabao Cup final due to being cup-tied.
Dubravka had been loaned out to Man United at the start of the season, before being recalled by Newcastle in January.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
In normal circumstances, he would have started the final for the Magpies in place of the suspended Nick Pope. However, that was not possible.
The Slovakian played two Carabao Cup games for Man United earlier in the competition, which meant he could not represent Eddie Howe’s side at Wembley.
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It also meant he won a medal, which was brought to him when Newcastle played Man United at St James’ Park in April 2023.
“I didn’t really expect it because I didn’t know if they would give it [the medal] to me,” he told the Athletic.
“It was weird, but if you think about it, it’s part of the game. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a medal, so I appreciate it, but it’s special circumstances and it was weird, obviously, because I wanted Newcastle to win.”
Martin Dubravka will likely be on the bench for Newcastle United on Sunday
Dubravka now has the chance to add another League Cup medal to his collection, but this time with Newcastle United.
He is eligible for Sunday’s final against Liverpool, but it remains to be seen if he will feature.
While a lot of supporters want Dubravka to start, Howe has hinted that Nick Pope will play in goal at Wembley.
But at least Dubravka is going to be involved this time. The 2023 final was a very strange situation for him, and it ended with him getting a medal that he probably did not want.