Manchester United did not have the kind of season which merited a big awards celebration.
Instead, the club decided to announce the winners on a Thursday afternoon, around the time manager Erik ten Hag was holding his pre-FA Cup Final press conference.
Bruno Fernandes won the Sir Matt Busby Award, before Diogo Dalot won the Players’ Player of the Year Award, voted for by his teammates.
There had been a hint at this earlier in the week, when Alejandro Garnacho had dubbed Dalot ‘player of the season’.
Diogo Dalot has held Manchester United together
Manchester United’s injury issues have played havoc with the club’s form this season, and created major selection problems in defence.
Every full-back has spent time out injured, except for Diogo Dalot, who has only missed a game due to a suspension after a harsh red card against Liverpool.
Without Dalot’s impeccable injury record, United’s season would have been almost impossible to navigate.
He has also managed to lift his own game, with a better output going forward than ever before, contributing three goals and five assists.
Dalot received a message of congratulations from striker coach Benni McCarthy. The full-back took his goal against Brighton last weekend like a centre-forward.
McCarthy sent a message out, writing: “Congratulations brother. Well deserved.”
Diogo Dalot cup final role uncertain
Diogo Dalot’s role for the FA Cup Final is still a little uncertain. He will be on the pitch – but will he start on the right or left side?
It’s been alternated in recent weeks, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka back. United still don’t have a left-back, and Erik ten Hag has to decide who will play on which flank.
One thing we do know, Dalot is an absolute lock to start. As Player’s Player of the Season, you wouldn’t want it any other way.