Manchester United could end one of the worst seasons in their history by lifting a trophy after reaching the Europa League final.
United came from behind to thump Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night, winning their semi-final tie 7-1 on aggregate.
It sets up an all-Premier League European final after Tottenham -themselves enduring a torrid season – defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate.
Though it has been an extremely poor campaign, winning silverware would relieve some pressure off head coach Ruben Amorim and his players.
There has been a great deal of change at Old Trafford throughout the season, including Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag in the dugout, as well as the departures of high-profile players Marcus Rashford and Antony in January.
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And that has lead to an interesting question: If United were to beat Spurs at the final in Bilbao and win the Europa League, will Ten Hag and any players who left in January receive winners’ medals?
The Dutch manager oversaw the Red Devils’ first three Europa League league phase games – draws against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce – before getting the sack in October.
Additionally, Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge for the 2-0 win over PAOK during his interim spell before Amorim’s arrival.
Rashford made six appearances in the competition, recording one goal and one assist, before being exiled from the first-team and the England international subsequently joined Aston Villa on loan.
Antony and Tyrell Malacia both made four Europa League appearances before being loaned out to Real Betis and PSV respectively.
In the Premier League, the title-winning club is given 40 medals to be distributed among players, coaching staff and club officials in whatever way they see fit, with players who make at least five appearances guaranteed to receive one.
But there is no such rule regarding minimum appearances in UEFA competitions, with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League winners to receive 50 goal medals, with 50 silver medals presented to the runners-up.
It would seem then that whether the likes of Ten Hag and Rashford receive medals for their contributions is entirely up to Manchester United themselves.
Antony is in a unique position as the winger has fired Betis to the final of the Conference League, where they’ll face Chelsea, meaning he could well win two major European competitions in the same season.
The Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham takes place at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on May 21.
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