Hidden UEFA rule means Man Utd could deal Antony a cruel blow at end of the season

Manchester United could deal a cruel blow to loanee Antony at the end of the season.

Antony joined Real Betis on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window.

And he's enjoying life in Spain, having scored eight goals across all competitions since leaving Old Trafford - including a stunning free-kick in last night's Europa Conference League semi-final tie against Fiorentina.

Antony has scored four goals in Betis' European campaign as they reached the final, setting up a showdown against Premier League side Chelsea.

He broke down in tears during his post-match interview as he appeared to aim a dig at Man United.

As for his parent club, the Red Devils have also reached a European final as they meet Tottenham in this season's Europa League final following their victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Antony wheels away in celebration after scoring for Real Betis. Image: Getty

If Man United win their first Europa League title since 2017, then the club will receive 50 gold medals. These medals are intended for players, coaching staff and other club personnel.

While UEFA stipulates the number of medals, it does not dictate who should receive them.

That means Man United could opt against giving Antony a medal if they win the Europa League.

The Brazilian forward played four games for Man United in the Europa League before being shipped out on loan to Betis.

Man United reach their first Europa League final since the 2021 when they lost to Villarreal on penalties.

The Old Trafford outfit won the competition in 2017 under Jose Mourinho, who guided the club to victory over Ajax.

Amorim could follow in his fellow countryman's footsteps by delivering a European title for Man United.

Speaking after his side's victory over Bilbao, he said: "I'm just worried about the next game, trying not to get any injuries for the final. We need to win it. If we don't win it, it means nothing for us. So let's see.

"We have to have a full squad, that is really important. And we need to study the game quite well. And we need to have a little bit of luck. Today we suffered a goal, but we had so many transitions to score a goal and we didn't. We have to be clinical.

"It's quite similar for me and Ange [Postecoglou]. It's a tough moment, one of us is going to win. But it's going to be a big final and we are going to try to win."