Although only a few awards are given out at the Manchester United Player of the Years Awards, every Red Devil was in attendance. Nobody is left out as the footballers at the academy, reserves and first team made their way down the red carpet for the event.
AWARDS
Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year
James Wilson
"It was straightforward really. Wilson is, by far, the outstanding player. He didn't play a lot of time in the Under-18s as he moved up to the Reserves but we don't always take it that they have to play for the Academy team and he had the Under-19s as well," Paul McGuinness told ManUtd.com.
"He has been a little disrupted by injury and illness but he's an outstanding prospect and is getting stronger and fitter. It's really helped him working up with Warren Joyce in that respect and, as he develops, so is his concentration. He needs to be in the game more and get into clever positions, whether he's attacking or defending, to win the ball back. He needs to play off the shoulder and stay onside and all these things but he's a great lad and I'm sure he'll keep working hard."
"We expect him to do really well. He's possibly a player he could burst onto the scene with great effect and would certainly excite the crowd at Old Trafford. To be honest, if you can score goals like he does in the Under-18s then you can do that against first-team players because there is no catching you if you're that quick."
Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year
Saidy Janko
“I'm very proud. I didn’t expect something like this. I’ve settled in pretty well because Manchester United is like a family, so I made friends really quickly. Warren Joyce had confidence in me and gave me a chance to prove myself."
Goal of the Season
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney’s phenomenal 60-yard strike against West Ham has been named Goal of the Season.
The goal reminded us of how David Beckham’s 1996 half-way line strike against Wimbledon, broke the deadlock in the Reds’ match against the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground and caught the eye of the footballing world.
Watch it here Wayne Rooney v West Ham United!
Rooney latched on to Ashley Young’s pass, and struck the ball towards the Hammers’ goal. The ball hurtled through the air before dipping in over West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.
"It was a goal that I am really pleased with, I do think David Beckham's was a bit better, but I was happy to score," Wayne commented.
"I did worry that it might bounce over the goalkeeper at first, but you just have to hope for the best. Thankfully it came off."
Players' Player of the Year
David De Gea
"I’m really happy to win this honour," said De Gea. "I’m very grateful. Sometimes it's important for your team-mates to give you confidence and I think they're some of the best team-mates you can have."
"I tried to do my best this year and I think it was my best season so far. I felt really good and confident. I will try to do the same for next season."
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year
David De Gea
"I want to thank the fans. From my very first day at the club, I have felt their love and I’m really happy. For them, we will try next season to do our best again."
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ryan Giggs
"I’m not usually an emotional person," he stated. "But this has touched me. To receive this Lifetime Achievement is something special, one of the most special awards I’ve ever received. This club touches everyone’s heart; it’s not only a club, it’s a family. So many special people have been a part of that, so for me to win this is emotional and it’s a special night for me."
"I’ve played with so many great players who have had a massive impact on me, and of course Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been the single biggest influence on my career. I’m a lucky man."
Congratulations to all the winners!
After all the speeches were made and the awards were given out, bromance was in the air. The Red Devils took to social networks where they posted pictures with their fellow footballers at the ceremony.
Glory Glory Man Utd!
