Manchester United were excellent over two legs in the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao to reach a fourth final in three seasons.
It was a memorable night for Ruben Amorim on Thursday night as he saw his Manchester United side once again end up thrashing Athletic Club.
United beat Bilbao 4-1 and secured progression into the final of the Europa League, with a dominant scoreline of 7-1 on aggregate.
Despite several standout performances, Mason Mount claimed the fans’ man of the match vote after his brilliant brace after coming off the bench.
The win over the club that would have hosted the final in Bilbao now means it will be an all-English affair on the 21st of May at San Mames stadium.
With a winner’s medal potentially just 90 minutes away, there is the question of whether two loanees will be in line to get a medal after the final.
Are Antony and Marcus Rashford eligible to receive Europa League medals?
The Europa League final is a huge deal, offering the Red Devils a chance at European silverware for United and to play in the cash cow that is the Champions League next season.
It will also be important for the players who will see it as an opportunity to prove themselves better than this season has shown, while adding a winner’s medal to their achievements list.
Two players who will be wondering whether they are in line for a medal are Antony and Marcus Rashford with the pair are both on loan but played roles in the early stages of the competition.
Well, the answer to this question can be found in the UEFA regulations handbook, which states that: “The winning team is presented with 50 gold medals and the runner-up with 50 silver medals.”
These 50 are for players, staff, and any other figures the club deems worthy, and so the answer is yes, Antony and Rashford could both receive a medal, not that they will, but it is possible.
This also means there is a chance Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy could each get a medal in the mail, having managed earlier games in the competition.
Rashford made six appearances in the Europa League for United, scoring once, while Antony made four appearances. Therefore, we would imagine they will both receive one, given there are a lot on offer.
Antony could be about to make history while on loan from Manchester United
While Rashford will be watching the European finals this May on TV, Antony will be involved in one as he spearheaded Real Betis’ run to the Conference League final against Jadon Sancho and Chelsea.
Antony has four goals and three assists in just eight Conference League games for Betis, and he scored a brilliant free-kick in the semi-final second leg against Fiorentina.
In the event that both United and Betis win the two finals, Antony could become the first ever double European champion in a single season, which is a remarkable feat.
This of course would not be the case if United don’t give Antony a medal, but we have to imagine that he will be in line to receive one and become a historic double champion.
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