Martin Dubravka has revealed that Manchester United took their Carabao Cup winners' medal to St James' Park last season in what he admits was one of the 'strangest' episodes of his career.
The goalkeeper spent the first half of the season on loan at Old Trafford before returning to Newcastle in January. The two clubs then met in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in February and Dubravka, fresh into the cup, saw Man United win 2-0, which entitled him to a medal as he had played in two of the previous had played rounds.
Now preparing for another quarter-final with Newcastle at Chelsea on Tuesday evening, the Slovak has reflected on the conflicting emotions of last season.
'Last season's final was the strangest match for me, as you can imagine!' he said. 'I played two games for Manchester United, so everyone asked me who I was going to support.
'I always support Newcastle because of the long time I spent here. It lasted five and a half years, instead of five months, so you can't compare it. I wanted Newcastle to win for the city and for the club because the fans are just waiting for something special.”
Martin Dubravka played twice for Man United in the Carabao Cup last season, meaning he was entitled to a winner's medal
He admitted it was 'weird' to receive a winners' medal as he had returned to Newcastle at the time of the final – which United won by beating Newcastle at Wembley
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Newcastle beat Man United at St James in the Premier League in April, and Dubravka said: “They brought up the medal. I didn't really expect it because I didn't know if they would give it to me.
“It was a bit strange, but when you think about it, it's part of the game. I have it at home, but not on display. Don't get me wrong, it's still a medal, so I still appreciate it. These are special circumstances and of course it was strange because I wanted Newcastle to win.'
Would it mean more to win this competition with Newcastle?
“Yes, it would be absolutely fantastic,” said the goalkeeper, who replaces the injured Nick Pope. “Look at the stadium and look at the fans, it's a special place to play so it would be great to win something.”
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe says there is no part of him that wants out of the Carabao Cup despite mounting injuries – and has told his Newcastle players there is no room for a Christmas party.
If the Magpies were to have a celebratory bash, they could well hold it in the canteen of the clinic they use for private scans, as two more players will be visiting there on Monday. Fabian Schar (glutes) and Joelinton (hamstrings) are the latest additions to the injury list.
Joelinton (left) and Fabian Schar (right) both suffered injuries during Newcastle's win over Fulham
Alexander Isak (groin) underwent a scan last week and is doubtful for Tuesday's quarter-final against Chelsea, while Harvey Barnes (foot), Joe Willock (Achilles) and Elliot Anderson (back) have all sought specialist advice in recent weeks.
But Howe refuses to use the absentees – currently 11 – as a reason to relegate the Carabao Cup in his interests, especially after reaching last season's final.
“Absolutely not,” he said when asked if defeat could be a blessing. 'We want the matches, we want the competition. We want the excitement of competing for trophies. That is where we need to be, not only now but also in the future.
'The dream didn't come true (last season), but maybe this year. It's our best chance to win a trophy at the moment because we're well advanced in the competition and coming to the serious end. That is why this game is of great importance to us.
'Go back to the last round, at Manchester United the players stood up and put in an excellent performance. This will be very similar, and we will have to give more.”
Newcastle have beaten both Manchester clubs to reach the last eight thanks to a Champions League group that includes PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. They will also travel to North East rivals Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup.
Eddie Howe has insisted his side want to go all out in the Carabao Cup despite their rising injury list
“We have come into the toughest cup draws,” Howe said. 'But that really challenged us and took us out of our comfort zone. It has improved us, although sometimes it takes a little longer for that improvement to show, but no part of me regrets that or thinks, “Oh, it's negative.”
'It's positive. It forces us to continuously improve and be the team we want to be in the long term. We need to be exposed to those games to get closer.”
Meanwhile, Howe was asked if his players would enjoy a Christmas party this month.
“I certainly hope not!” he said. 'If so, I don't know. We have too many competitions and too busy an agenda for such a party, I hope!'