Man Utd face unique dilemma regardless of Europa League final outcome as UEFA rule emerges

Manchester United will face a unique dilemma regardless of whether they win the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

United and Spurs will contest the third all-English final in the competition's history when they face off in Bilbao on May 21.

The two teams will both be competing for a spot in next season's Champions League for the winner, with the loser missing out on Europe altogether due to their Premier League positions.

United sat in 15th place before the gameweek 36 fixtures, with Spurs a place further back in 16th.

One key rule at the end of the final stipulates that, whichever team wins the trophy, it must then be returned to UEFA to store until next year's final.

The winning team, however, will receive a replica trophy for display purposes.

But a key logistical issue for both sides will occur when they receive their winners' or losers' medals.

As per official UEFA regulations, each side will be awarded 50 medals to share out between players and staff.

The regulations also stipulate that a maximum of 38 team members can be present in Bilbao, with that number split into a maximum of 27 players and 11 support staff on the bench.

Image: UEFA

That will leave 12 unclaimed medals on the night, with United having control over who the medals are given out to.

There could, therefore, be a scenario where the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony - who were both loaned out by the club in January - receive a medal after playing for United in the group stages.

And unlike Spurs, United may have to consider whether to give a medal to two of their former managers.

Erik ten Hag, who managed United in the early group stage fixtures before his October sacking, could receive a medal from his former club.

Ruud van Nistelrooy also managed one Europa League fixture - a 2-0 win over PAOK - after being appointed as interim manager following Ten Hag's departure. He is now manager of fellow Premier League side Leicester City.

A total of 26 players have represented United in the competition this season that are currently part of the club, with January loan exits Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia taking that figure up to 29.

Any player who has made an appearance for a club in the Europa League is eligible to receive a medal, as there is no UEFA eligibility rule relating to a minimum number of games played in the competition.