Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final tonight with the winners qualifying for next season's Champions League
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Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Porto in the Europa League this season
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Porto in the Europa League this season
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are in Bilbao tonight looking to win their second Europa League title when they face Tottenham Hotspur at the San Mames Stadium.
In the build-up to the fixture, the significance of the final has focused solely on what it means for both clubs next season. Whichever side is victorious will qualify automatically for next season's Champions League, despite both teams set to finish just above the Premier League relegation zone.
This prize is worth the most to both clubs, especially as the alternative is to be without European football next season. However, there is also the matter of winners medals and the trophy that will be handed out tonight.
One of the big questions surrounding the awarding of medals is whether the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony who both left the club part way through the season shall receive one. MEN Sport has taken a closer look at the rules and what the likely scenario is for the duo.
Will Rashford and Antony receive a medal?
According to UEFA, both the winners and runners-up of the Europa League will receive 50 medals for their teams. These medals can be handed out to whoever the club deems fit to receive one and shall be shared between the players and coaching staff.
In the current United squad, 25 players have appeared in the Europa League prior to the final, so each one of them will receive a medal. It will then be up to United how many of the backroom staff receive a medal.
When Ruben Amorim arrived, he brought five of his own coaches in from Sporting so, including himself, that would see 31 medals accounted for. Having made six and four appearances in the Europa League respectively, Rashford and Antony will probably receive a medal for their efforts this season but that is by no means a guarantee.
Will the winners receive the actual Europa League trophy?
The trophy that either United or Spurs will lift in Bilbao tonight will not be the same one that the club will be allowed to keep. This trophy is the official property of UEFA and shall be returned to the footballing body after the presentation.
The winners will receive a full replica of the Europa League trophy after winning the competition. However, there remains strict rules on the use of the replica Europa League trophy.
It is not allowed to leave the winner's country without the written consent from UEFA in advance.
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