Cristiano Ronaldo: Why Al Nassr Star Could Still Get Carabao Cup Medal Despite Fallout With Erik ten Hag

• Questions have been asked on if Cristiano Ronaldo would be eligible for a Carabao Cup medal
• Manchester United beat Newcastle on February 26 to lift their first trophy under Erik ten Hag
• Ronaldo quit the Red Devils last year after falling out with the coach and the club's hierarchy

In a different universe, Cristiano Ronaldo would be celebrating his latest triumph with Manchester United - winning the Carabao Cup.

However, a widely-publicised fallout with Erik ten Hag saw the prolific striker quit the Old Trafford club unceremoniously.

Not that the Carabao Cup could have added any further legacy to Ronaldo's name (he has two already), but perhaps one day he might rue missing out on the incredible team ten Hag is building.

The fact that the former Ajax manager decided to do away with a five-time Ballon d'Or winner was criticised in some quarters.

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However, United's performances in recent weeks have vindicated him and even better, the Carabao Cup triumph on Sunday has exalted him.

He knew what he was doing all along.

Will Ronaldo get a medal?

But given that Ronaldo was still a Man United player when they began their Carabao Cup campaign, isn't he entitled to a medal despite how they ended things?

Yes and no: yes, because Ronaldo was a duly registered player of Manchester United. Players often get medals at tournaments, provided they are registered, despite not playing a minute - which is the case with Ronaldo.

Ten Hag did not play the Portuguese captain in any of the preliminary rounds of the Carabao Cup before he left.

What the rules say

However, according to EFL rules, each finalist will be given 30 souvenirs (medals) to hand out to their players.

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Manchester United used a total of 27 players in the course of the competition, including Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton. Dubravka will get a winners medal despite his parent team being the losers in the Wembley final.

This leaves the United hierarchy with three medals to give out to whomever they see fit - it is at the club's discretion to decide if Ronaldo deserves to get a medal despite his incendiary interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo stars in Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, the superstar is focused on his new workstation in Saudi Arabia, where despite a dull start, he has hit the ground running in recent weeks.

Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo notching his second hat-trick in the first half for Al-Nassr against Damac on Saturday, breaking the game's deadlock.

He continued his menacing form in front of goal with a sizzling finish when he was put through on goal by Al Ghannam, before scoring his third.