Ronaldo does the double
Cristiano Ronaldo did another awards double on Monday night after
being named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players' Player
of the Year on Monday night.
At the end-of-season awards dinner at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old
claimed both major honours, the first voted for by over 100,000
fans, the second by his team-mates. It has been an incredible
season for the Portuguese winger, who is now widely considered to
be the best player in the world. And he has the silverware to prove
it - he has claimed an astonishing 14 personal accolades this
season.
Ronaldo, looking at the Sir Matt Busby award, joked: "That's bigger
than Patrice [Evra]". He added that this season had been "a
pleasure playing at this club and with these great players".
He was beaten to the Goal of the Season award, which deservedly
went to Paul Scholes for his thunderous volley in off the bar
against Aston Villa. Scholes, who was presented the award by
team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, said: "The standard of goals this
season has been brilliant, so I'm really pleased to get this
award."
Defender Kieran Lee was named Reserves Player of the Year, beating
Michael Lea and Sean Evans tothe accolade. He has been a regular in
United's second string this term, but fans will remember him most
for scoring the winning goal on his debut in the Carling Cup win
over Crewe. He also played the full 90 minutes in the 0-0
Premiership draw against Chelsea.
Highly-rated Craig Cathcart picked up the Academy Player of the
Year award. The 18-year-old Belfast-born centre-half is captain of
the U18s, and his potential can be measured by his recent call-up
to the first-team towards the end of the season.
Manchester United Awards 2007
Academy Player of the Year - Craig Cathcart
Reserves Player of the Year - Kieran Lee
Goal of the Season - Paul Scholes v Aston Villa
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year - Cristiano Ronaldo
Players' Player of the Year - Cristiano Ronaldo
