ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United

Posted by Mark Payne on 01/30/2009

The transfer window is starting to close and the gaze of the footballing world is starting to point in new directions. Where does it rest its unceasing gaze for the next few months? Well, onto the Player of the Year awards, and who are the likely contenders for this season�..s prize.

Last week Sir Alex Ferguson stated that Ryan Giggs would be enjoying another extension to his contract and that he also thought Giggs was is line for a personal award this time round too. Was this comment the crafty machinations of a fatherly manager, or is English football�..s most decorated player a genuine challenger for the title of best Premier League Player 2009/2010?

There are a few different accolades on offer but the two most prestigious are The Football Writer�..s Award and the PFA award (or player�..s player of the year). Whilst the voting for these two comes from different areas, the criteria for both are roughly the same. Namely, that you need to be the outstanding player in the league over the course of a season.

It can be awarded to a player who is head and shoulders above the rest, see Ronaldo last season, somebody critical to a highly successful team; Roy Keane, David Beckham, Thierry Henry. Or, more suspiciously, it somehow finds its way into the hands of a glamorous player who plays for a London club, see David Ginola winning it in 1999 after United�..s treble.

So, why hasn�..t Giggs won this award before? There are those who argue that the two seasons in which Giggs was truly outstanding were his first two. They might feel that as he was awarded the Young Player of the Year award in those years that he was justly rewarded. Perhaps this is true, but I can attest to the tremendous consistency of a player who I have been watching since his debut in 1991.

The reality is that he has just been unlucky. During his immense career, at certain times, there have simply been more talented players who have hit peak and shone a little brighter.

After Keane declined and Henry sulked, instead of Giggs taking their limelight other great players have come to the fore and gobbled the plaudits. Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo have grabbed more headlines during their marquee seasons, but Giggs has been quietly in the background collecting the medals. Perhaps this approach suits him.

Giggsie found himself in trouble with Ferguson a couple of times during the early days and now he seems to enjoy not being the centre of attention. I remember clearly him stating he was glad when Beckham became famous because it gave him a break.

The talk about Giggs winning it this year seems to have started since his performance against Chelsea at Old Trafford. He was, undeniably, awesome that day. Playing in a position that is relatively new to him, he managed to control the game in a manner many midfield veterans would have been proud of. But, and it is a big but, does that alone qualify you for the trophy?

If we look around the country it is indeed a year where Player of the Year candidates are not standing out obviously. At Chelsea, only Frank Lampard looks interested, and he is having a phenomenal season. At Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is performing utter heroics, the amount of times that guy drags Liverpool up off the floor is just incredible �.. he reminds me of Robson. But for me, so far, the season�..s best player has been Ashley Young of Aston Villa, solid, reliable and (dare I say it) more menacing than any of the other three at present.

The campaign for Giggs to win the award this year will be long and loud. The question we have to ask is will he deserve the award on merit, or will it be a sentimental gesture, much like Paul Newman winning Best Actor in the Autumn of his career after five failed nominations.

The good news is that I cannot give you an answer now for the simple reason that the season is not over yet. The PFA Award, much like everything else, is all still to play for. I am happy that Giggsie is in the running (and am right behind our player) but only want him to win if he truly deserves it, denying somebody else would probably not be right. Whether he wins it or not, he is still one of the all time greats.

Comments

Posted by Sullay Mannah on 01/30/2009

Mark,
You seem to have overlooked United's colossus at the back-Vidic. He has been the key factor in all United's clean sheets. Thoughts?

Posted by Jacob on 01/30/2009

I agree with Sullay Mannah. Vidic has been phenomenal at the back for United. He made up for Ferdinand's absence with match-winning performances. Perhaps, Johnny Evans smooth transition into the first team was to Vidic's credit?

Posted by Cedric on 01/30/2009

Mark is right. Attacking performances are always rewarded but defensive ones are often overlooked. Vidic has, for me, been this season's outstanding player

Posted by Prakash on 01/30/2009

I would not be surprised if Vidic wins Player of the year. He is just unbelievable !!! There is not a better defender than him in EPL if not the world !

Posted by RAJAN on 01/30/2009

GIVE THAT ACCOLADE TO VIDIC . HE DESERVES THAT MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE . HE IS THE REAL RED DEVIL .

GIGGSY , SO WHAT IF HE DON'T WIN ANY OF THOSE INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES .......... HE IS A LEGEND ANYWAY .

Posted by Garo on 01/30/2009

Even though Giggs could be a sentimental favorite, I agree with Mark...Vidic has been phenomenal...

Posted by Scott on 01/30/2009

Mark,
As a loyal United supporter, I too agree that what Giggsy has done this year has been fantastic and there is no doubt that he has probably been one of the most important players to any club this season. However, I must agree with the previous comment that Nemanja Vidic has perhaps outshone him by the slimmest of margins. While our midfield and possession, mostly thanks to Ryan has been the key to controlling matches, it has been the solid central defense that has allowed our front 8 to attack with reckless abandon even when it seems a goal may never come. (see Sunderland, Stoke, Middlesborough, and Bolton). While it is true that sentimentality would make me pull for Ryan to get the recognition he deserves, I have to be honest and say that the stellar play at the back has been the most impressive feat and Vidic is probably (at this point) a more deserving award candidate.

Posted by Thang Le on 01/30/2009

When did a defender last win any of these awards?

Posted by David on 01/30/2009

actually, both of you are right... giggsie and vidic have both been amazing for united and us winning the EPL for the 3rd time in a row really doesnt look far off
its really hard to pick between the two because each is amazingly important in their respective psoitions: vida is the best centre back in the world right now (and if some wank rent boy says JT's better then fuck him), but giggsie's bin giving his all in the centre of midfield... its realy tough to tell who turs out on top but i hope giggs gets it because he (unfortunately) doesnt have long to go

Posted by Roy on 01/30/2009

Giggs has truly shown the class that is still left in him. Perhaps his speed has waned over the years but despite this his other characteristics has grown, who would have though he could effectively manage the middle? I say all the way for the individual awards for him!

Posted by Weiguo on 01/30/2009

Vidic is the clear player from Man Utd to win this award. He is ever presence in the defence and also the one who make Rio tick.

Posted by matt on 01/30/2009

I agree with Mark. Vidic has been unbelievable. So many clean sheets without Rio, without Wes Brown, with a limited Gary Neville, next to teenage Brazilian backs. Thru it all Vidic has been a rock and I think he even has 6 goals this year as well - a terror in the air on set pieces. He would be more worthy than Giggs - although a vote for Giggs would be a sentimental vote.

Posted by Rafa Rant on 01/30/2009

I agree with Mark. Vidic has been an absolute monster for Manyoo this season. Its high time a defender gets recognised with such awards.. Lampard is undeniably the favourite though and Ashley Young still needs to be playing in Europe and for England before he deserves such awards..

Posted by Obadiah on 01/30/2009

He is a phenomenon because he was supposed to be written off with the likes of Yorke and Cole after them pushing everybody out of the way in 1999 and the two or three years that followed

He became awesome when joined by ronaldo and i can assert he is the reason behind ronaldo's shining because whenever ronaldo played without him it never used to be easy.

Posted by James on 01/30/2009

Yes, Giggs is playing very well. However, this is not a lifetime achievement award - it is for an outstanding performance for one season. Giggs is not even a first team regular, so I don't see how he can be the best player in the league.

In a year in which there is not one stand-out offensive player, this could be a year in which a defender claims the award. Which defender has been more outstanding than Nemanja Vidic?

The Man Utd defense has been decimated by injuries. Evra and Rio have both had spells on teh sidelines. There is not one established starter on the right. Yet during this spell, Man Utd have had 11 consecutive clean sheets. The one constant has been Nemanja Vidic.

Man Utd are not the offensive machine they have been in the past. They are teh leaders because they have one a series of 1-0 scorelines. Oftentimes, It has been Vidic who has scored the goals. Man Utd is having a successful season because they do not condede goals. Credit for this goes to Vidic

Posted by Ryan on 01/30/2009

That's a good point, Sullay, and I agree with you Mark, I love Giggsy, I was actually named after him, but I don't think he's been our best player this season. I'd probably go for Vidic, if it had to be a United player. If United win the title, Vidic, if Liverpool somehow manage it, Gerrard, if Villa pip Arsenal for 4th, then either Young or Agbonlahor. No Chelsea player bar Anelka seems to stand out for me.

Posted by R7 on 01/30/2009

agree with sullay, vidic has been immense this season. his name has to be on the fore-front of the nomination.

Posted by John Ho on 01/30/2009

The Player of the Year award is only for each season. As far as my view is concerned, RYAN GIGGS is the PLAYER of the YEARs that he lift the EPL Champions' Trophy. He is second to none as far as ability, skill, sportmanship, reading of the game and temperament.

Posted by deano on 01/30/2009

No outstanding players huh????
VIDIC, need I say it again VIDIC VIDIC VIDIC
enough said

Posted by Nir on 01/30/2009

I think United's best this season might be Vidic, but i think Fletcher, Carrick and Rooney deserve it no less

Posted by Dennis on 01/31/2009

Perhaps because all those reading this are man utd fans, but what about all the other great players out there? Players such as Robin Van Persie, who has been phenomenal for arsenal, or Fellani who has suprised everyone except David Moyes. The most controversial of candidates in my eyes is Delap, who's throw might very well save Stoke, and with the ball at his feet he has not been shabby either.

Then there are the usual suspects in Gerrard, as markpayne pointed out, or lampard. Gerrard is the most consistently phenomenal player in the premier league. Any one who disagrees name a player who pulls his team out of the gutter 9 games out of ten. If not for gerrard, liverpool would decimate into a team hoping for a the Uefa Cup.

Posted by MImi on 01/31/2009

Giggsy is great i wonder why he hasnt won this award lately...but i gotta stand up for VIDIC..VIDIC..who is next to him not even messi or ronaldo....EVRA wuld be a good candidate if he played all games ...TEVEZ is behind vidic...lets not forget FLETCHER...best attacking player of the season silent killer

Posted by MImi on 01/31/2009

Posted by Wazza on 01/31/2009

Vidic... The Serbian has made Rio look good this season and last, and as you could see on last season's team of the year, we had the whole back line! Evra as well, has had a good year, but you can't look past Giggs too.

But Vida has had the world's strikers in turmoil this season. I would like to see either of the two (Giggs, Vidic) win it...

Posted by Daren on 01/31/2009

Maybe there should be some kind of award rewarding veterans, say players over the age of 32 - 33 and still plying their trade

Giggsy will without a shadow of a doubt scoop up this award, at least for this season

Posted by Man U is the greatest on 01/31/2009

Nemanja Vidic is the best defender in the world. He has been the back bone of United's defense that has beet the record for most shut outs in a row i think that explains enough personally.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED,
AS THE REDS GO MARCHING ON ON ON FOR THE THIRD TITLE.....

Posted by Anthony Sutton on 01/31/2009

I will agree with most of you when you say that Vidic should be the player of the year, because he has played amaizing football, but as Mark has alluded to in previous articles, Giggs has managed to re-invent himself and has managed to find a way to be a constant force and help get United on top. I can't argue with the fact that Vidic is very underrated, but there comes a time when one or two plays can define a season and I believe that by year's end, Giggs will be the man to have those moments. All in all, Go United!!!

Posted by kai on 01/31/2009

Giggs fully deserves it. Or at least a nomination for his massive influence in Man Utd's attacking play. A dominating display like the one against Chelsea must definitely put all questions of his ability beyond doubt.

Already the second top assist maker at United despite starting significantly lesser matches than Berbatov. While not making direct assists, how many goals where made with Giggs having a part. Against Bolton was but one example, it was another pass from Giggs to Tevez who crossed in for Berbatov's header.

Swashbuckling is no longer a word to describe Giggsy. However his vision more than made up for his pace on the left wing. His assists and influence from midfield, like Vidic's colossus display have been instrumental in United's present charge to the top.

Besides Vidic and VDS, no one at United have shone as brightly as Giggsy, and most certainly no one deserves that first team spot more than him. He earned it with his class even at 36.

Posted by Abbey on 01/31/2009

Vidic is united best player so far this season.... he has been a rock in the defense ... he his behind all the clean shits and also a threat at set pieces.... 6 goals already for him this season.

Posted by zezinho on 01/31/2009

Ronaldo!!!!!!!!

Posted by yantzen rodriguez on 01/31/2009

hmm, vidic has been on tremendous form this season and he plays regularly, domestically and in europe, but giggsy doesnt get to play all the games, only important ones or when there were many injuries and he is available. no doubt vidic is very good, and people overlooked one more person, PATIRCE EVRA..didnt u all notice his consistency these 2 seasons??..among the manutd players, he always never disappoint, like there was one time roberto carlos won the best defender in europe..i wud love to see giggs win the award b4 he retires but VIDIC is my man..

Posted by ronaldo7 on 01/31/2009

no need 2 tin abt it, e award goes 2 vidic. coz he knows how 2 defend n score!

Posted by Kev B on 01/31/2009

Vidic is the best centre-back in the world, hands down and has been United's best player this season by a mile. van der Saar has also been excellent since his early season blip and Park has really turned me around. Giggsy has been brilliant, but he's not been as consistent, for me, as Vidic. When he's played, Scholes has also been defying the years and I think we have yet to see Berbatov in top gear - though he seems to be hitting that now. PFA Player of the Year has to be Vidic, but you just know that either Young, Gerrard, Lampard, Ronaldo or Terry will get it.

Posted by dann on 01/31/2009

The award should go for VIDIC. The best defender in the world at the moment deserves it. And as for giggsy, he is not qualified for this award. Giggsy should be given The ;God of football' award as he has all the credibility required for the award and not just Player of the year...!

Posted by Harry on 01/31/2009

Give it to Stevie G none of these other players mentioned can do what he does for Liverpool playing for Liverpool.He is the LIVER in LIVERpool.He is arguably the best in the world.

Posted by Shani on 01/31/2009

I had been supporting Manchester United since 1996 and have seen many come and leave. Some after failing to serve properly, some after being a veteran. Giggs and Scholes will leave as veterans for sure and if I have seen true legends while watching Manchester United play, I will name only few of them Cantona, Keane, Schmeichel, Solksjaer are definitely on the top chart. Giggs, Scholes and Gary will be joining the crew soon. For the service Giggsie gave united throughout the last 18 years and still doing the same is worthy of the prestigious awards. not once but many time he had match winning performances. His performance against Manchester United had been awesome in this season, particularly against Chelsea, but my top 3 players for United are
1. Vidic 2. Carrick and 3. Evra.
Vidic had been the iron man of united and many argued with me when I said Argentina wouldnt have destroyed Serbia and Montenegro in that 6 goal thrashing had not Vidic not played that game. Those who argued with me back then are getting their answer now. He is the best CB in the world at the moment. Carrick has turned out to be a ball winner to a pass master. His slick passes always finds his player, whether its a through ball or an over head long distance. To me he is the best holding midfielder in EPL at the moment and on his way to become the best. Evra. This guy is hardworking one fearful beast. His run from one end to the other end of the pitch strike fear in hearts of opponents defense. His disputes at Chelsea training grounds had been sent packing to Chelsea, with his breathtaking performance against their genuine title rival.

Much said. As of now, Vidic is the K of United's title defending equation. And should be the Man of the Moment.

Posted by Shani on 01/31/2009

Continues...

Posted by Shani on 01/31/2009

Vidic had been the iron man of united and many argued with me when I said Argentina wouldnt have destroyed Serbia and Montenegro in that 6 goal thrashing had not Vidic not played that game. Those who argued with me back then are getting their answer now. He is the best CB in the world at the moment. Carrick has turned out to be a ball winner to a pass master. His slick passes always finds his player, whether its a through ball or an over head long distance. To me he is the best holding midfielder in EPL at the moment and on his way to become the best. Evra. This guy is hardworking one fearful beast. His run from one end to the other end of the pitch strike fear in hearts of opponents defense. His disputes at Chelsea training grounds had been sent packing to Chelsea, with his breathtaking performance against their genuine title rival.

Much said. As of now, Vidic is the K of United's title defending equation. And should be the Man of the Moment.

Posted by TITUS KAMAU on 01/31/2009

I do agree with the rest that Vidic deserves the Player of the year award hes been outstanding,so is Van der for keeping clean sheets.A united for life

Posted by Justin on 01/31/2009

Vidic is just awesome. No club in the world would dare bid for him because he'd just be too expensive, probably making Rio's transfer fee look like peanuts - Man City has the $$$, but even they're smarter than to bid for a Man Utd player.

A player like RYAN GIGGS (& Paul Scholes) doesn't need any individual award like these PFA or FWA awards. He's medal and trophy tally speaks for itself and is a much better testiment to the legend that he is. These massive number of trophies were not amassed by just being a bit-part player riding on the team's success (read: Mark Bosnich) - I believe Manchester United would not have won half of those trophies if Giggsy wasn't in the squad.

'Nuff said.

Posted by Marlon Banda on 01/31/2009

What's the fuss about Vidic and Giggs?? Truth be told, Giggs is an awesome player. No doubt about that.But to be fair,the most outstanding player for Man Utd so far this season has been Vidic. He deserves the Player of the Year award. The man has been a "solid rock" at the back. He has moved forward like a ruthless predator searching for (and sometimes finding) that one important goal. And why on earth is little attention given to defensive players for this award? Oh boy, let sanity prevail. Vidic wins. Period.

Posted by hansurey on 01/31/2009

Have you forgotten that giggs played that role with john oshea in the season when roy keane and scholes were injured? we had no central midfielders. it is not now that he is playing more centrally!! he has done over the years. and he has won so many things..he is fergie`s best player..maybe not player of the year but player of the premier league..definitely!!!

Posted by Mick Tang on 01/31/2009

I also believe that, Vidic probably deserve to win the player of the season award for Man Utd more than Giggsy this season. Simply because he had been outstanding this season. He's the REAL ROCK.

But in any case, Giggsy totally deserves something just to recognise his contributions. The guy has been so consistent throughout his career that it's hard to think of another person with the same consistency at such a high level. BEAT THAT! He should the Player of the Decade for Man Utd. GIGGS ROCKS!!!

Posted by khaalid on 01/31/2009

i wanna tell a real way of man united

Posted by felix savon on 01/31/2009

The game against Chelsea was the turning point for me and the genius of Sir Alex playing Giggsy the anchor, rather, the pivot in the middle without Carrick showed Giggs's maturity.He basically helped the defince in the absence of leadership of Les. I have been a critique of Giggs in the past. This season Giggs is the MAN!! No doubt Vidic is a revelation but he can afford to wait!! Cheers

Posted by mancjim on 01/31/2009

Last defender to win was Paul Mcgrath ,i think ....

Posted by shayan on 01/31/2009

vidic is the main contender. as much as i love giggs.. he is not playing enough to see the titles.

and its 2008/09 season

Posted by Nolan on 01/31/2009

I'm sorry but the line "there have simply been more talented players who have hit peak and shone a little brighter." is crazy. I have never seen a more talented player than Ryan Giggs. Shone brighter for a while sure. But his star has shone, simmered and smouldered for over a decade.

He is the best player the premier league has seen.

Genius is the only word I would use to describe his talent. LEGEND is the only word I would describe his standing in the football world.

Posted by Will on 01/31/2009

Giggs is on the short list of greatest players in the history of the Premier League. He's won every trophy in his club career and when he retires, whenever that is, he will be recognized as a legend, not just at United, but throughout the league. Does that make him the most qualified to win an individual award this year? Maybe. If no one else is standing out towards the end of the year, the writers and players may give him the "Lifetime Acheivement" vote, which wouldn't be a bad thing. I'll agree that Vidic probably has been the most valuable player for United this term. At this point, he's one of the finest defenders in the world and would be a solid choice for Player of the Year. The biggest thing holding him back is his position. I'd have to check, and if anyone can correct me, go ahead, but I don't recall a defender winning the PFA or the writer's award. Not because there has been a shortage of great players. I think that's just the nature of the position.

Posted by Will on 01/31/2009

Posted by Jeza on 01/31/2009

Personally, although I think both Giggs and Vidic have had outstanding seasons - Van Der Sar has set new records for games and minutes without conceeding. What more example of individual success do you need than setting two league records?

Posted by Dart on 02/01/2009

All this talk about Vidic being a candidate is fair. But what about Michael Carrick? He has been pulling the strings in midfield all season and hardly ever putting a pass astray. He closes down, blocks and tackles as well. He's also added the odd goal this season. He may not score the goals that Gerrard and Lampard do, but he's probably the most influential midfielder this season.

Posted by Shani on 02/01/2009

Van der Sar's record isnt his record alone. At least in my point of view. Just check the stats and see how many saves he had to make to reach this position against how many successful tackles Vidic had during this 12 game steak. He had often seen man-marking, not one but WTH, multiple players and switched to his aggression from time to time and scored vital goals. Not to mention crucial interceptions and ball winning in the air. Vidic more or less singly didn't allow opponents to make chances and go for goal, making the life in front of the goalposts much easier for Van der Sar. It will be an irony if his position in the field is what leaves his efforts and contribution unanswered. No one deserves it more than Vidic.

Posted by Helmy on 02/01/2009

Here's my share of thoughts. I totally agree with some of you that Vidic has been a solid performer at the defence. However, I would like to highlight that Giggs has done a very good job at adapting very well to the central midfield role he is playing now. To think that he can no longer make his trademark runs along the wings like he used to in his young days, Giggs has made himself a very versatile player and at the same time contributing a lot to the only club he's been playing for. Adding to the fact that he can still roll out such performance at such an age like a vintage wine, I truly believe Giggs should win the prestigious award.

Posted by ali G on 02/01/2009

There are two types of champions in football. Those who win team medals and those who win individual honours. Before Giggsy the most decorated player in english football was Phil Neal. How many player of the year awards did he win? zero. David Beckham has never won player of the year, yet he's the most famous footballer on the planet. Giggsy proves you can still be called a legend without winning individual awards, not just vice versa. To be a one-club man AND be as successful as he is in this day and age makes him a very unique legend. That, in my opinion, plus his consistency over the years makes him "deserve" any individual award, as Mark puts it. If united win the league this year and Giggs is in the running for the award, why wouldn't he be deserving of it?

Posted by Roy on 02/01/2009

I am proud to have the same birthday as giggs! okay anyway, vidic should get some award. He's tough, and probably one of the best and most consistent defenders nowadays.

Posted by Matt on 02/01/2009

A lot of great, albeit repetitive, points have been made here. I may as well add to them. Giggs is as creative a player as he's ever been, and what he has lost in speed he has gained in vision and intelligence. He has been my favorite player since I was a kid. That said, he simply has not played enough to make him a legitimate candidate for player of the year. As everyone has said, Vidic has to be a front-runner, particularly if nobody in the league ends up putting up the gaudy scoring totals that usually translate into player of the year award. Giggs's shot at an individual award is further dampened by the quality players around him. This year's United team may well be the deepest, most talented ever. Carrick and Vidic are the reason for the ongoing clean-sheet record. Carrick is the most underrated player in England, and has shown over the last couple seasons that he is one of the best, if not the very best, defensive/holding midfielders in the world.

Posted by iriz on 02/01/2009

Ryan Giggs was the best left winger the BPL has ever seen.to say that there were others shone more brightly than him is a bit far fetched.he scored the best goal of the FA Cup against a rock solid Arsenal defence back then. in my opinion he should have won these individual awards many times. and for him who was a natural left winger to re-invent himself is an achievement all united fans should appreciate. without giggs,united couldn't have done the treble in 99 and the double last season and also all the titles united won down the years. but i do agree that Vida is united's best player this season.but to say that giggs can only win it due to sentimental values doesn't really justify that he has played an important role for united last season n this with limited number of appearances.UNITED FOREVER!!!

Posted by Kai on 02/01/2009

What Giggs has done surpasses any individual awards there ever was. Performing so brilliantly AND consistently for 18 years at the highest level is an unprecedented achievement. People took his talent for granted too much in the past. Giggs however has been at that level for the past 18 years. Its only recently because of his amazing performances for the past few seasons at the age of 35 when people start to appreciate and recognize his amazing ability. Vidic might be the most deserving for his heroics but Giggs has always been up there with his performances. Ryan Giggs has always been at another level.

Posted by Daniel on 02/01/2009

Sure Giggs does deserves the award, but he has already won loads in his cabinet. I agree with the majority that VIDIC has to be voted the Best Player of Year. He score crucial goals, the one against Sunderland was one, and he defended bravely. a true No nonsense defender indeed.

Posted by Meiji on 02/01/2009

Vidic.
The name is pretty self-explanatory. As previous comments have stated, the back four is, without doubt, going to be the key factor in our title defense this season.
However, we can't deny or ignore the fact that as a team, everyone deserves the award. They're been performing tremendously, after returning from that memorable Club World Cup Championship in Japan. To be able to adapt to the time zones and recover (climbing up to first place) is a rare achievement. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have dropped points both at home and away.
If people believe that Carles Puyol and John Terry are the best defenders in the world, they're absolutely wrong. Why look at other teams, when the best team in the world has Vidic playing their core defensive role alongside RIo Ferdinand. Now only a great defender would attempt a great feat like Vidic by scoring winners both on the air and ground, and swiftly rushing back to offer his defensive services.
Giggs award must be his new contract, LOL

Posted by YUDH on 02/01/2009

VIDIC has been manu s best player zis season...
wat a defender..!!!!Better zan even STAM or PALLISTER>>>

Posted by kevin on 02/01/2009

Listen, football nowadays, is not just about performance on the pitch, football is commercial, its about role model, its about giving good examples for the kids, for the love of kids. yes giggs has no more the pace, but his experience is vital,. yeah vida need to be best manutd best player of the season, but if you count seasons after seasons, the one who is still here, what he brings, modesty, profesionalism and respect and love from ours fans
its RYAN GIGGS the best
manchester united is my religion
Old trafford is my temple
Ryan Giggs is my god

Posted by BaliliOne on 02/01/2009

'nuff said....its either of these three, Van der Saar (for the record of clean sheets), Vidic (most consistent performer week in, week out), Giggsy...could still be Dimi...(?the golden boot&most assists) we would just have to wait and see...There can only be ONE UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by shane on 02/01/2009

giggs is not even playing every game, so how can he be THE pivotal player in a champions' campaign?

give it to carrick or vidic. both lads are incredible this season.

Posted by Alan Leung on 02/01/2009

Vidic - is simple a warrior from the 300 movie!!!

Giggsy - is a great player - world class and only one of a kind...highly doubt he will win the Player of the Year for the PFA but he might win the one for ManUtd...

Honestly, I think Rooney if he stays fits and score some more important goals moving ahead will win this year...basically he is getting more mature and getting better...I really want him to get some recognition...he hasn't surpass his explosive self since his Euro 2004 showings..its about time...WATCH THIS SPACE

Posted by daniel from australia on 02/02/2009

vidic clearly best player

Posted by ian on 02/02/2009

at this stage of the season, my nominations for ManUtd's player of the season would be Vidic, Giggs and CARRICK. Why isn't there more mention of Carrick in this debate? He's been absolutely outstanding.
Somebody mentioned Berbatov but sorry, i don't think he's been convincing enough. for 30mil, i expect him to be more of a goal threat, especially considering the amount of service he invariably gets.

Posted by ibrahim on 02/02/2009

come on guys,we are talking about the same team,Man Utd right?for me,giggsy seems happy with himself whether he won an individual award or not..so why we have to argue which one is the best between vidic or giggsy..but i have to agree that if giggsy won the award it will be a sentimental one because he should've won it a long time ago..however it's true that attacking players always get the attention compared to defensive players..just look at the previous winner of world footballer of the year..

Posted by mab on 02/02/2009

giggs, my favourite player, should have won PFA award when he was still having those curly locks, tearing the defence apart with those mazy dribbling. he is still brilliant now but to win the award, he must feature in most of the game. it is still half the season but NEMANJA VIDIC to me should be the no. 1 contender unless rooney or ronaldo steered manchester united to another epl title with unstoppable performances, or steven gerrard winning the epl with liverpool or ashley young with aston villa winning the epl!! give vidic the credit he deserved. he has been the rock at united defence. he is never afraid to get stuck in, & good at set-pieces. he seems to win evey aerial battle. he is just crazy. definitely better than the overrated chelsea capt. john terry.

Posted by SupremeGREAM on 02/02/2009

If you look at most of the goals we have scored this season, Michael Carrick has been the mastermind. For me, I think Michael Carrick has been the best player in January for United if not in the Premier League.

Vidic has been outstanding too. He should be in FIFA 11 in the coming year alongside Van de Sar for their exceptional performance in keeping those clean sheets.

Giggs (Whose first name Ryan means King) the ever creative and clever player continues to torment defenses. You have to give credit to Ferguson for playing him at the center during the Chelsea match. Who would have thought he would turn out to be that marvelous?

Posted by Nasen on 02/02/2009

To be fair to Giigsy, i don't think he would want an award if it was given to him based on sentiment, he is too much of a footballer to accept that. If there were an awrad for an honest professional who epitomises everything that is good about football, then he would win the award nine time sout of ten. rather than winning awards I am sure that he would be far happier for United to carry on winning trophies, that ultimately will be his finest legacy.

Posted by liverbird on 02/02/2009

enough, man u people! stop making jokes!

Posted by kawaja on 02/02/2009

I do wonder why people never mention Van der Sar,for me Var is the rightful person for it as Vida, Van Da sar has made it safe for the back.so I do think he can also get it.But what is truely clear is that a Man Utd player should win it

Posted by Phoebe O. on 02/02/2009

If it's not Giggsy, no one deserved it...The current most decorated player in English Premier League.

Might not have score goals like C.Ronaldo, T.Henry or a super Mr Chelsea, or Mr Liverpool but he is definitely one of top class players in many Man Utd supporters' hearts.

Posted by steven on 02/02/2009

very often defenders are overlooked in this category and this seasos so far has shown that there are no serious front players interested in the trophy.
Vidic clearly deserves it, he has been the difference between Man.u scoring one goal and still going home with 3 points and a clean sheet!

Posted by mubarak on 02/02/2009

giggs deserved with the award he's perfomance is very good. he is one of the manchester united motivative player.

Posted by jeffrey on 02/02/2009

I have followed giggsy since 1997 and still counting..his awesome goal against the gunners during e treble which also showed his hairy chest will made him e winner against vidic!

Yea i like vidic too but taken the number of years giggsy in manu squad to him...what you can say?

Don't just one player in one season but average of all seasons.

Oh yeah giggsy sideburns rocks!

Posted by Yoav on 02/02/2009

Carrick is the player to win it. He is the most influential player at United. Just look what had happened since his arrival 3 seasons ago. And when he doesn't play for some reason, things get much more difficult for the other players. As for Giggsy - for me he is the all time United's favourite player, but he simply doesn't play enough this season in order to win a personal accolade. So, here are my top-5 United players so far:
1) Carrick
2) Evra
3) Vidic
4) Giggs
5) Van der Sar

Posted by Matt on 02/02/2009

I hate to say this as a DEVOUT Man United fan and a lover of Giggs and Vidic, but if i had a vote it would go to Steven Gerrard. It kills me to say this but he is their version of our Capt. Marvel. Whenever Liverpool needs a goal, a tough tackle, a block or a general infusion of life(Which they often lack), he is the man to do it. The thing is he has been doing it for so long now too. He is just a one-man wrecking-crew and it really shows this season. He single handedly took it to AC Milan in the CL Final and seems to do it every game this season.

For my Money however, Giggs is the greatest player the EPL will ever know because of all the medals he has one. Utd could NEVER have this dynasty without him! He is too good and too clever and seems more scary in his "old" age.

Vidic is AMAZING to the point where I cannot think of a top forward that has ever given him a rremote problem. He would be my second vote.

Posted by sule on 02/02/2009

Last Defender to win it was John Terry four years ago and Vidic has probably been better than he was that year

Posted by United on 02/02/2009

One defender that I could recall winning at least one of the awards was a lion-hearted Gary Pallister, in the mid 90's.

Cheers!

Posted by chaitu on 02/02/2009

Well the season is not over yet, players like Giggs and Scholes are the ones who make special contributions to the club like Scholes's goal at Camp Nou last season, if Giggs can muster a few more of those by the end of the season then he will deserve an indivudal award. The way he has adapted himself this season (at his age) is phenomenal yet the consistency of Vidic score over that of Giggs' new found talent. And also if Giggs deserves an award then so does Steven Gerrard for doing the same( if not more) for Liverpool.

Posted by mojret on 02/03/2009

He still play with his flair and contribute more in different way .. every time he called upon.

A LEGEND .. like Giggsy..
Doesn't need personal accolade or awards...

Posted by james on 02/03/2009

Everyone seems to forget how good Patrice Evra was for us before he got suspended. Evra is really a rock, never seems to make any mistakes aside from Gael Clichy who does too many errors at Arsenal.

VIDIC AND EVRA FOR PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Posted by sarosh on 02/03/2009

i guess that i gotta agree with all those who vouch for vidic.i think, along with terry, vidic is the best central defender in the league, if not the world.

usually there is one story to each season. and this season the story surely is utd's run of clean sheets. van der sar has been good but vidic better.

giggsy has been awesome, but as is mentioned before, a vote for him would be a sentimental one.and giggsy ,for one, does not need any sentimental votes!

personally i think credit, for giggsy shining, goes to one man: fergie. fergie knows how to get the best out of everyone in his squad.look how well he had used brown(last season) at right back. i think he was the best right back in the league. and park js. who would have thought 2 yrs back that park js would be an indispensable member of the team.

but watch out for ronaldo, he's gonna be right up there when the votes are being counted.

Posted by Keano16 on 02/03/2009

Best Candidate from United for PoTY:
Vidic

Vidic will win the PoTY because of the very emotional choice of alas awarding it to a non-attacking player (and the pundits can happily utilize the phrase "it's about time"),

and the very visible, undeniable and T-A-N-G-I-B-L-E number of clean sheets (what tangible number can explain awarding the PoTY to Gerrad anyway? The number 10: number of useless teammates?),

walk up the stage to receive the award,

call up Giggsy to the stage,

and hand over the award to him.

Giggsy will immediately announce retirement, pan camera to the sight of a crying Scolari putting his hands around Ashley Cole and Mel Gibson should direct this movie.

Posted by kenneth on 02/03/2009

both ryan and vidic are exceptional... though giggs is not 1st team regular, but as an appreciation to the man who had contribute so much to Man U success all these years, he should clearly win this year. Vidic's best year is still ahead.

cheers...

Posted by Aikay on 02/03/2009

GIGGSY all da way man!!!!!!!!!
though VIDA has done us proud as well GIGGS gets us d results wen it matters most......

Posted by inyang on 02/04/2009

Ryan Giggs...playing better,brighter, nd it shows.
Nemanja Vidic,irresistibly strong.The ROCK IN THE ROCK.
In a season where there hasn't been exclusively outstanding players VIDIC sure deserves this award for his grit,passion nd consistency.

Posted by pascal Dennis on 02/04/2009

Hey! come on people lets give to vida, he is best player in the world right now.

Posted by Benton on 02/04/2009

Much as I love Giggsy as a player, I doubt he will win any individual awards. Based on games to date, I would give it to either Vidic or Gerrard - Vidic for his ability to galvanise a backline in which he has been the only constant this season (all due to injuries); Gerrard just for his ability to win a match for Liverpool when there's just nothing going right for them. If I must add a third player, I would say Tim Cahill, given how prominently he's featured in all of Everton's games. I don't know why, but this season there just seems to be a lack of genuine contenders.

It's a shame we haven't seen enough of Giggsy on the international stage, he would've been wonderful to watch at a World Cup or Euro.

Posted by Martin Petrov on 02/05/2009

You don't have to be a Man Utd fan to understand that the team has done miracles this season, having chances at two cups domestically, the Champions League and what follows despite the huge number of matches and the number of injuries (I for one would like to see a team doing a domestic trebble followed by winning the CL, European Super-Cup and the World Cup - and if there is a team in the world that can win those six, it is MU). I was not the only one impressed with the upcoming youths like Welbeck, Evans, Possebon, Gibson, Rafael, Fabio. Add to that Berbatov settling in and starting to have a real impact, Vidic playing incredibly well, even Carrick seeming to finally show why he is said to be a world class player. A player like Giggs deserves to be recognized as a legend, not just because of his long career, but also because Ferguson has started using him in a new vital position in midfield and he has proven great there. Still, MU this season's strongest weapon is the defense. Vidic!

Posted by amar grg on 02/06/2009

Vida is the best.

Posted by sammy alex on 02/06/2009

this is vidic best year so far,he deserves tobe given the honour

Posted by the legend on 02/24/2009

I think it's rather strange to include this.. but MU has got rather few players to be included as the Player Of The Year candidates.. but these are the players that would deserve it in my opinion..

a.) Steven Gerard

You can't deny other fans to believe that Liverpool is a one-man team, and without Gerard they seem a little bullshit.. ok.. with the exception of Torres.

b.) Cristiano Ronaldo

Surprisingly, everybody remembers his achievements of last season that they forget that Cristiano Ronaldo is leading the scoring charts in an attack driven Manchester United, and is the highest scoring midfielder once again... and although he may not be scoring at a scary rate he did last season, he seems to support more build up play as he is used more of a traditional winger this season. I don't see why he doesn't qualify to be one of the top candidates to win it again.. (oh well.. yes.. he has been taking shitty free kicks recently..)

Posted by BABAR on 05/10/2012

In my mind, which is perpetually dietsrtod, the better team won the match. Although I bleed red & white Manchester United blood, the Barca Boys were a power with which the Red Devils were unable to cope, on Wednesday. Bravo, Barcelona! Even with a majority of your regular back four either suspended or injured, you still prevailed. It seemed that Man U, with its mix of the overpowering, English style of football and one-touch, accurate possession were dizzied by the short-passing, ball-controlling Barca, and were never able to adapt to a different style, once they found that the Catalans were immune to their strategies and talents. For me, it was disappointing, but there's no shame in being beaten by the best club in the world. Messi should and will win the award for footballer of the year' and Iniesta is, without a doubt, one of the top midfielders that I've ever seen. It was also nice to watch the work that Carles Puyol did, in Barcelona's defensive scheme. It's refreshing that no call by the referee determined this outcome, and no claims of the sun shining unfairly in the goalie's eyes were made by the losers of this match. Both teams had 90 minutes to prove it was the better side. Manchester United was not able to do so. Barcelona was. Take note, Chelsea crybabies. -Otis

Posted by Sameer on 05/13/2012

I am Tottenham fan of 40 years Certainly no friend of Man U As an iaarmtipl Id have Ryan Giggs up there with the greatest of all time world wide Just imagine what a side England would have been with Giggs on the left Its difficult to compare era's but look at footage of George Best and compare it to Giggs Everything Best could do Giggs certainly could also and at nearly 38 he is still one of Man U's best players Who else could you say that about in the history of the game, Matthews perhaps, very few indeed Trully an all time great

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