The Carabao Cup enjoys and endures a unique place in the hierarchy of English football.
It is undoubtedly the most widely disrespected trophy on offer. Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once dismissed it as “something for the kids” while one of his many flailing predecessors, José Mourinho, mused: “Could English football be better without this competition? Maybe we would be fresher for European competitions.”
Yet, the innate importance of England’s secondary cup becomes readily apparent once you’ve been knocked out. What Manchester United would give to be in the hat for this year’s quarterfinals?
While the Red Devils go green with envy, a glut of Premier League clubs will be involved in a draw with ever-growing importance.
