David de Gea was named Manchester United’s player of the year by both his team-mates and supporters at the club’s annual awards ceremony on Thursday night.
The Spanish goalkeeper did the double as he received the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, voted for by the supporters, and the Players’ Player of the Year prize for his impressive form this season.
De Gea picked up the supporters’ award after claiming 54 per cent of the vote, ahead of Wayne Rooney and Adnan Januzaj in second and third place respectively.
Lady in red: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea with pop-star girlfriend Edurne Garcia
Recognition: Wayne Rooney is presented with the Goal of the Season award by Brian McClair
Super strike: Rooney’s strike against West Ham in March was named United’s goal of the season
Up and coming: James Wilson (right) is presented with the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
De Gea said: ‘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.’
Just moments before, de Gea had also received the accolade of Players’ Player of the Year from his colleagues.
He said: ‘I’m really happy to win this honour. I’m very grateful.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2013/2014 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year – David de Gea
Player’s Player of the Year – David de Gea
Goal of the Season – Wayne Rooney vs West Ham United on 22/03/14
Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year – Saidy Janko
Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year – James Wilson
Lifetime Achievement Award – Ryan Giggs
On stage: Michael Carrick is interviewed by host Hayley McQueen at the awards dinner
On the mic: Darren Fletcher is interviewed by host Jim Rosenthal at Old Trafford
‘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.’
Wayne Rooney was awarded the Goal of the Season award for his 60-yard wonder-strike against West Ham at Upton Park in March.
The stunning effort, which brought back memories of David Beckham’s long-range strike against Wimbledon in 1996, polled 58 per cent of the vote to beat Patrica Evra’s goal away to Bayern Munich.
Rooney said: ‘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.
On the red carpet: Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen pose for a photo at Old Trafford
Arrival: Rooney and wife Coleen arrive for the Manchester United Player of the Year awards
Hand in hand: Manchester United winger Ashley young and partner Nicky Pike
Wave for the cameras: Robin van Persie and wife Bouchra on the red carpet
‘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.’
Interim manager Ryan Giggs was recognised for his services to the club with the Lifetime Achievement award.
Giggs said: ‘I’m not usually an emotional person. But this has touched me. To receive this Lifetime Achievement is something special, one of the most special awards I’ve ever received.
All set: Carrick arrives hand in hand with his wife Lisa at Old Trafford
All smiles: Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher stands alongside wife Hailey
‘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.’
Two days after scoring a double on his debut against Hull City, 18-year-old James Wilson was named Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year.
Swiss right-back Saidy Janko was rewarded for his impressive debut season with the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award.
The 18-year-old said: ‘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 [the United reserves coach] had confidence in me and gave me a chance to prove myself.’
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.