Robin Van Persie was last night crowned Fans’ Player of the Year as he added the Sir Matt Busby award to his first Premier League medal and the Golden Boot. The Dutchman received 41,5% of votes, ahead of Michael Carrick (29%) and David De Gea (11.5%).
Van Persie was superb in his first season at the club, becoming the first man to score 25 or more goals in a debut season with Manchester United and his netted crucial winners against Southampton, Liverpool and City earlier in the season.
At last night’s ceremony he joked that he was all part of a plan
“This was always the plan,” he said. “I have to be fair – it’s beyond expectations. It made such an impact on me from day one, being involved with all the guys. The way they welcomed me made such an impact and, of course, to be able to work with Sir Alex and Mike [Phelan] and all the staff is more than a pleasure.
“I have to say that winning a trophy is fantastic. It’s great but the road to the whole trophy is maybe even nicer. Being together every day and working on details, getting better step-by-step, beating opponents and then the best feeling of all that is the result and the trophy.
“This whole year has been incredible. I have to thank all the boys, the staff and the fans, who since day one, have been unbelievable. It’s been an honour. It’s made such a big impact on me and I’m still thrilled about what’s happened in the last 10 months or so. Hopefully, we can do even better, crack on and win even more trophies.”
Van Persie’s stunning volley against Aston Villa was voted Goal of the Year, while Michael Carrick was crowned Players’ Player of the Year, a fitting tribute to his superb season, arguably the best since he joined the club in 2006.
The United midfielder was delighted with being unanimously voted player of the year by his team-mates: “I work with the lads every day and train every day. We’ve got an unbelievable team spirit and players from all over the world come and fit in and make a real effort to fit in. For them to give me the vote for this means an awful lot. It really is special for me.”
Carrick added that winning the title this year was even more special because it was wrestled away from City’s grasp: “We had to win it,” he said. “Last year was hard to take for everyone, especially with it going to that lot over the road. It was tough and we always wanted to bounce back. I’m proud of the boys but it all comes from the manager. You don’t just play for this club – you live for this club once you’re here. The manager drives home the work ethic and always tells us don’t be afraid to work hard and enjoy yourself. That’s what we do.”
Adnan Januzaj was the Reserves’ Player of the Year, while Ben Pearson scooped the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
Dan (@MUFC_dan87)
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