United's Cristiano Ronaldo is among three nominees shortlisted
for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
The Portuguese winger goes head-to-head with AC Milan star Kaka and
Barcelona's Argentine prodigy Lionel Messi for the prestigious
accolade.
Voting is conducted by coaches and captains of international teams,
and the winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in Zurich on
December 17.
The last United player to feature in the award's top three was
David Beckham, who finished second in 1999 and 2001 to Rivaldo and
Luis Figo respectively.
Ronaldo's influence was integral to United regaining the Barclays
Premier League title, while his sustained fine form in the UEFA
Champions League and in Portugal's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign
also counts in his favour.
Brazilian star Kaka is widely regarded as the favourite for the
award by virtue of his part in Milan's Champions League success
last season.
