Manchester United will face a unique dilemma regardless of whether they win the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
When United and Spurs meet in Bilbao on May 21, they will compete in the competition’s third-ever all-English final.
Due to their Premier League placements, the two teams will be vying for a slot in the Champions League the following season; the winner will not be able to travel to Europe at all.
Prior to the games in gameweek 36, United was in 15th place, while Spurs were in 16th.
The trophy must be returned to UEFA to be stored until the next year’s final, according to a crucial regulation at the conclusion of the final.
However, a replica trophy will be given to the victorious team for exhibition.
However, the receipt of the winners’ or losers’ medals will present a significant logistical challenge for both parties.
Each team will get 50 medals, which will be distributed among players and staff in accordance with official UEFA standards.
A maximum of 38 squad members, consisting of a maximum of 27 players and 11 bench support staff, are permitted to be present in Bilbao, according to the regulations.
With United controlling who receives the medals, that means there will be 12 unclaimed medals on the evening.
Therefore, it’s possible that players like Marcus Rashford and Antony, who were both loaned out by the team in January, will win a medal after representing United in the qualification stages.
Additionally, unlike Spurs, United might have to decide whether to award two of their past managers with medals.
Erik ten Hag, who oversaw United in the early group stage games prior to his dismissal in October, might be eligible to collect a medal from his old team.
After Ten Hag left, Ruud van Nistelrooy was named interim manager and oversaw one Europa League match, a 2-0 victory over PAOK. He now serves as manager of Leicester City, a team in the Premier League.
Rashford, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, who left the club on loan in January, bring the total number of players who have played for United in the competition this season to 29.
There is no UEFA eligibility requirement regarding a minimum number of games played in the competition, so any player who has played for a club in the Europa League is eligible to win a medal.
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