More awards for Antonio Valencia, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Axel Tuanzebe.
- Old Trafford Whisperer
- May 19, 2017
- 2 min read
There was no leaving empty-handed for Antonio Valencia who was beaten by Ander Herrera for the Player of the Year award as he took home the Player's Player of the Year accolade.
The award was previously won by Chris Smalling after his impressive 2015 under Louis van Gaal but with his performances bordering awful this campaign, he was tasked with presenting the trophy to his fellow defender.
Speaking at the ceremony, Valencia was thankful for such recognition that has seen him make a name at right-back and consequently become one of the best in the Premier League in his position.
'It is all about working hard. I am grateful for the manager's words. I am also very grateful for the support of the fans and on this occasion my team-mates who have backed me all the way on this.' There were also awards for future stars Angel Gomes who won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year to become the youngest ever winner at 16.
Angel Gomes has been impressive for the Under 18's this season.
The under 17's captain was happy to take home the award and make some history in the process.
After being presented with the award at Thursday's ceremony at Old Trafford, Gomes told MUTV: "It's a dream come true. Being a young age, it's things like this you wish for. All the hard work you put in at the training ground - this is the end result.
"I've missed a lot of the last two months through injury and the other lads have been consistent, so when I heard my name get called out, it was quite a surprise and a real honour."
Axel Tuanzebe whose star continues to shine won the Reserve Team Player of the Year just days after he made his full debut.
Axel Tuanzebe won the Young Player of the Year Award two years ago
There was still time to award Henrikh Mkhitaryan the Goal of the Season Award after his stunning 'scorpion kick' goal against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
The Armenian speaking at the gala was grateful but also stunned by his own effort which despite being offside left many mesmerized.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has won Goal of the Month for 4 straight months
'To be honest, I was impressed as well. I couldn’t imagine I could score such a goal. I didn’t really know what was happening.
"I don’t think you have to practice these kind of goals, you just have to take this quick decision. I couldn’t miss this opportunity because I got a great goal from the God.'
There were notable absentees in the annual awards gala most notably injured quartet Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is recovering from a knee injury back home in Sweden, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo.
Anthony Martial was also absent for unknown reasons.
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