Tuesday night saw Manchester United throw their annual Player of the Year Award shindig at Old Trafford.
The players were out in force for the gala evening, with Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata all suited and booted for the occasion.
There was also a special appearance from an ex-United star, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic sending a congratulatory video message to his former teammates and colleagues.
After boasting about the weather out in Los Angeles, Ibrahimovic also submitted his nomination for Player of the Year despite not actually being on the club pay roll anymore.
“I would say David De Gea, even if a goalkeeper shouldn’t get Player of the Year!” the Swedish striker said.
Sure enough, De Gea ended up taking the top prize, with the goalkeeper receiving the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the fourth time in five years.
Manchester United
✔
@ManUtd
The Players’ Player of the Year is: @D_DeGea!
Elsewhere on the night, young midfielder, Scott McTominay, was presented with the Manager’s Player of the Year award, while Nemanja Matic won Goal of the Season for his belter against Crystal Palace.
There was also a Special Recognition trinket bestowed to outgoing veteran, Michael Carrick, who was also presented with his first official coach’s training top by Jose Mourinho ahead of his impending job switch.
Manchester United
✔
@ManUtd
“A big player is leaving, but a big man is staying.”
Wise words from the boss. #MUFCPOTY
And so, a jolly nice time was had by all — except for Alexis Sanchez, who looked like he’d lost the will to live as the ceremony dragged on.
The joy of the formal function. It’s always gruelling when you’re sat there patiently waiting for the buffet to open.
Here’s hoping Alexis got his egg and cress sandwich in the end.
