Legends split on Player of the Year vote
Manchester United’s legends largely agree on the frontrunners for the 2021/22 Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.
Voting is currently open for the most prestigious prize the club offers and, despite a disappointing season for United, it’s interesting to see who will claim the accolade, which has been won by Bruno Fernandes in each of the last two campaigns.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been asking great figures from the Reds' past about who they think should come out on top.
Each one of our seven voices mentioned David De Gea, who must be under serious consideration for his consistent performances in goal, particularly during the winter, when he won three straight club Player-of-the-Month awards, plus the Premier League gong for January.
Cristiano Ronaldo, United’s leading scorer with 24 goals, is also a common nomination, while two former stars mentioned Fred, who had arguably his best term in a red shirt, with the team missing him during a couple of spells on the sidelines.
Let’s begin with John O’Shea, who offers up a few extra names…
Vote for your 2021/22 Player of the Year
ArticleIt has been a disappointing season, yet this award remains a part of our history and fans are invited to have their say.
JOHN O’SHEA
“Look, it’s been a challenging one obviously but you’re wanting that consistency, I suppose. It’s great to see Anthony Elanga coming through, showing that enthusiasm and, to be fair to Ronaldo, he’s popped up with some big goals as well. David De Gea, I think is probably going to be in with a shout: his performance level has been fantastic. Jadon Sancho, maybe if he'd finished the season with a few more goals, his performances in the second half of the season have been very good too. Fred, to be fair to him, has stuck at it really well and been performing to a good level and there’s Scott McTominay too. You’re wanting that one standout player but it’s been a bit more of a challenge this year.”
GARY NEVILLE
“How many times has David De Gea won it since Sir Alex left? I’m going to go for De Gea, to be honest with you. The only other two I could think of would be Fred and Ronaldo. We’d be in dire straits without Ronaldo’s goals but I think, without De Gea, we’d be dead! I could say Ronaldo… Who’s the favourite, is it Ronaldo? I’d go De Gea, Ronaldo, then Fred, in that order.”
QUINTON FORTUNE
“David. I don't want to say that but David has been absolutely amazing again. He has been outstanding again so I must say David De Gea.”
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BRYAN ROBSON
“I’d give David the nod. I think there were only two in the running for me – David and Cristiano. But I’d just give it to David because I think, particularly in mid-season, he was outstanding.”
ANTONIO VALENCIA
“I would definitely vote David.”
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ANDY COLE
“The goalkeeper. If it’s not the goalkeeper, it’s Ronaldo. I think Ronny getting the goals he’s got, at his age, is absolutely phenomenal. But the goalkeeper, oh my days. He’s been phenomenal.”
JAAP STAM
“I would give it to Ronaldo. I think since he stepped in, there’s been a lot of people saying things and sometimes there’s been a lot of criticism as well. But I think it’s unbelievable. If you’re 37, I believe, and you’re still performing, producing and scoring… I think he’s open for criticism but he’s helping other people out as well. He’s doing his best. He’s trying to lead the team, so I think he deserves it.”
Cast your vote now – we’ll announce the winner over the coming week.