If Dúbravka wants a Carabao Cup medal, his Newcastle must lose the final

The Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle is scheduled for Sunday. Martin Dúbravka, whose quest for the trophy would mean rooting for his current employer’s opponent, is also facing a big dilemma alongside both coaches.

It was the move of a lifetime for Martin Dúbravka in the summer when he took up a Manchester United loan offer. He knew he would be a number two to Spaniard David De Gea, but even at Newcastle he would not be first choice.

The Slovakian international has covered the goal at Old Trafford twice. Both times in the Carabao Cup and both times winning. First he was there for the 4-2 win over Aston Villa, then he contributed zero to the 2-0 elimination of Newcastle.

The Magpies recalled Dúbravka in January as Karl Darlow left on loan. And he got into goal in the last round when Nick Pope was sent off against Liverpool. And the Slovakian goalkeeper didn’t do badly, saving all the chances and keeping the score 0:2 for the Reds, for whom he went on the pitch.

It would be tempting to say that, given Pope’s penalty after the red card, he has claimed a place in the line-up for the Carabao Cup final. But he cannot start as he has already played twice in the cup in a Red Devils jersey.

What is even more controversial is that although Dúbravka will watch the final as a Newcastle player, if the Black and Whites win, he will not get a medal for the overall triumph. He has two starts for Manchester, so deep down he will be rooting for his opponent. That is, if he wants to add a trophy to his CV.

And Eddie Howe will also have to trust one of the Mark Gillespie, Loris Karius pairing in the final. Both have only had training experience, and have not been involved in a live match so far in the year.

Source: Carabao Cup