Ronaldo COULD land a Carabao Cup medal despite making a bitter United exit

Manchester United could give Cristiano Ronaldo a Carabao Cup winners' medal after beating Newcastle 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

United picked up the first trophy of Erik ten Hag's reign, and the club's first in six years, thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford in November following an explosive interview that saw him openly criticise the club.

He did not feature in the League Cup this season amid a tumultuous relationship with ten Hag, but could still be in line for a winner's medal through a quirk of EFL rules.

United are entitled to 30 'souvenirs' for winning the tournament, but only used 27 players across their six games, meaning they have three to award to players wo did not feature if they wish.

Ronaldo, who won two league cups in his first spell at United, could be in line for a medal, although it seems unlikely given his unsavoury exit from the club.

He moved to Saudi side Al-Nassr shortly afterwards, where he signed for a lucrative. £175m-a-year deal.

Despite making a slow start, the 38-year-old has come alive in recent weeks, scoring seven goals in his past three games.

He scored a hat-trick before half time in his last game and netted all four in a thumping Al-Nassr win earlier this month.

Meanwhile, United have gone on a remarkable run since Ronaldo's exit. They have lost just once, a thrilling 3-2 against league leaders Arsenal, and have moved within six points of second place Man City while also staying competitive in four tournaments, the first of which they have already won.

Speaking after Sunday's win, ten Hag said: 'I just love United. So when I see our shirts, the boundary with the fans, when I see Old Trafford, the legacy like Sir Alex left, so many big players were developed in a United shirt and we want to do the same.

'It is one cup and it is February but it shows we are in the right direction. It has to be the inspiration to keep going and be happy for 24 hours, but not satisfied because satisfaction leads to laziness and then you don't win trophies.'

The Red Devils will next be in action against West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday.