By Jonathan Birchall
17 May 2011 08:59:00
EPL: Michael Carrick – Wayne Rooney – Chris Smalling and Nani , Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United
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Despite being labelled the worst Manchester United team to have played under Sir Alex Ferguson, there can be little doubting that the Red Devils are deserving Premier League champions – and with a Champions League final against the imperious Barcelona to come, the Old Trafford outfit may well leave their critics eating their words at Wembley.
It is true to say that United as a collective are far more effective than the sum of their individual parts might suggest, with their never-say-die mentality arguably the most potent ingredient in Ferguson’s recipe for success to ensure title number 19.
Indeed, whittling down a championship winning side into a shortlist of three leaves a number fine performers unrecognised, with Edwin van der Sar, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney all unfortunate not to have made our terrific triumvirate.
Below are Goal.com’s three nominees for Manchester United’s player of the season in alphabetical order. We then name our winner at the bottom before leaving it up to you, the readers, to have your say.
| 1. Dimitar Berbatov | Striker |
| Age: |
30 |
| Appearances: |
41
|
| Goals/Assists: |
21/5
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| Cards: |
1  0  |
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With 20 goals in 31 Premier League games (his strike against Sunderland has now been awarded as an Anton Ferdinand own goal) there can be no doubt about the influence of the Bulgarian as United marched to their 19th title. Three hat-tricks in a single season, one of which against Liverpool will last long in the memory, sums up how clinical United’s record signing has been this campaign.
His languid approach may leave many questioning his ability but for those with short memories, a look at the goalscoring charts will provide a stark reminder of just how important the former Tottenham man has been this season.
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2. Javier Hernandez | Striker
|
| Age: |
22 |
Appearances:
|
45
|
Goals/Assists:
|
20/3
|
| Cards: |
6 0 |
|
|
Few, if any, could have foreseen the heights that United’s £6 million Mexican would go on to reach in his first season at the Theatre of Dreams. Bought as a player to develop for the future, he already looks like the finished article and it would be hard to argue that he’s not the signing of the season; indeed, his promise suggests that he could be the greatest deal that Ferguson has ever made.
The former Chivas man plays with a smile that is in sharp contrast to his unforgiving nature in front of goal. His consistency in finding the back of the net, as well as his blossoming relationship with Wayne Rooney, offers hope of more to come in 2011-12. The Little Pea has a big future at Old Trafford.
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3. Nemanja Vidic | Defender
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| Age: |
29 |
| Appearances: |
45
|
| Goals/Assists: |
5/1
|
| Cards: |
7 1 |
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|
Appointed as team captain at the start of the season and later taking the role of club captain following Gary Neville’s retirement in February, Nemanja Vidic has proved himself a worthy leader of a side who have only conceded 10 times in their 18 home league games so far this term.
The Serbian international missed his usual partner Rio Ferdinand for periods this season but used his experience to help those filling in for the England defender. Chris Smalling, in particular has much to thank his skipper for. Then again, his solidity at the back should ensure he is on the end of plenty of gratitude when he lifts the Premier League trophy following the Blackpool game.
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GOAL.COM’S MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER OF THE SEASON
– Nemanja Vidic –
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In five words:
No nonsense stalwart of defence
Season highlight:
Getting the better of his former nemesis Fernando Torres six times in one season.
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View post:
Who is Manchester United’s Player of the Season?
