There is frequently discussion surrounding the selection process for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award at Manchester United.
This year is no exception, with a number of significant players on the field in Erik ten Hag’s inaugural year as manager.
On Monday, May 29, there will be an awards ceremony, and by participating in our poll here, you may have your ꜱаy.
While you wait to cast your ballot, our journalists talk about some of the top contenders and provide some advice.
CASEMIRO: IS THE CASE OVER?
After a late-summer transfer from Madrid to Manchester that was questioned by some of our detractors in the media, especially Graeme Souness, Casemiro brought his grandeur into our midfield.
Despite the Brazilian’s incredible array of club accolades with Los Blancos, the Liverpool veteran had the arrogance to ꜱаy that our new no.18 “has never been a great player.” However, by January, Casemiro had established himself as a crucial part of Erik ten Hag’s engine room thanks to his superb game reading, tenacity in stopping opponent attacks, and ball-distribution skills. As a result, Souness was forced to retract his statement and ꜱаy, “On reflection, he is exactly what Manchester United needed.”
Casemiro provides so much more than just goals, of course, but two of his highlights are the raw passion of the last-second equalizer at Chelsea and another spectacular header in the victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
David De Gea, AKA THE CLEAN-SHEET KING
The four-time recipient of the Sir Matt Busby trophy is nearly always a contender, especially following one of his most reliable campaigns with United to date. Although he has faced some difficulties lately, there is no denying De Gea’s great impact on the squad this season.
The 32-year-old, who is always healthy and prepared, has participated in 54 of our 58 games across all competitions, and as Erik ten Hag noted, David has recorded the most Premier League clean sheets (16) this season.
If Nick Pope of Newcastle United scores against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday, he will win the Golden Glove trophy, but might there be a bigger prize to come? He is undoubtedly part of the conversation.
BRUNO Fernandes BRILLIANT, BACK HIM UP
Bruno Fernandes, a two-time winner of the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, is one Red who should unquestionably be among the front-runners for the accolade this season. The winner of our monthly performance awards for March and April has been virtually constant throughout the season and has yet to miss a game due to illness or ι𝚗jᴜгy, even after suffering what appeared to be a significant ι𝚗jᴜгy in the Emirates FA Cup semifinal against Brighton & Hove Albion.
His case for winning the award goes beyond the 26 goals he’s contributed to, as a player who has consistently demonstrated his leadership – with and without the captain’s armband – and his versatility in 2022/23, having been asked to play in a variety of different roles, both in midfield and out on the flanks. Fernandes had a fantastic campaign, but perhaps because of his constant strong performance, he doesn’t always receive the credit he merits.
Expect him to appear significantly in the voting as he is consistently well-liked by his supporters.
Luke Shaw: I’ll be there for sure
Under Erik ten Hag this season, Luke Shaw has developed into a force of nature, with his ꜱаᴠаɡе dashes up the left flank being well complimented by strong physicality and superb defensive stance.
This season, Luke has been among the greatest left-backs in the Premier League, contributing at both ends of the field and, when necessary, filling in at center-back. Shaw would be a deserving recipient of the award this year because he is a team player and excellent on and off the ball.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ IS THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION
When the season-ending awards are given out, defenders usually seem to receive the raw end of the deal. Football’s currency is goals, so it makes sense that we elevate players who can consistently produce some of the most exhilarating moments in the game. But who can ꜱаy? Perhaps this year will defy the norm.
Because of how well-liked Lisandro Martinez is among United supporters. Due to all of those significant goals, Marcus Rashford may be the clear favorite to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, but Javi Martinez has perhaps done more than anybody to win back fans’ faith in the character of this United team.
Martinez reflects Manchester’s mentality, despite being from Argentina, and for fans, that is what matters most. Manchester is a hard, proud city. Our South American center-back provided us that in spades starting with the home victory over Liverpool. We want to see fιɡҺт, confidence, and personality on the field.
How did he play the ball, by the way? His passage, both long and short, is amazing, and his poise is as solid as the lines at Greggs. Our no. 6 has had a fantastic first season and brought some much-needed bite to our starting XI.
MARCUS RASHFORD, NOT A RASH DECISION
Marcus Rashford has undoubtedly had his greatest season since joining the United team, which is why he is certainly a strong favorite to win the award for the first time.
He has terrorized defenses with his quickness and direct style since scoring the go-ahead goal against Liverpool in August, whether playing on the left or down the middle.
It would be appropriate if he could surpass the 30-goal mark (he is now one short), and he has contributed so much more by helping out his teammates and generally becoming as Erik ten Hag’s major тҺгеат, while also seeming bright and focused.
We’ve grown accustomed to watching his signature goal celebration, and Rashford has performed admirably at crucial points in the season, including the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, the Nou Camp against Barcelona, and scoring the sweetest of derby victories against Manchester City. At Old Trafford, he experienced a remarkable scoring streak, tallying goals in nine straight home games to tie the 1959 record set by Dennis Viollet.
Marcus is vying to win the Sir Matt Busby trophy for the first time since Ryan Giggs accepted it in 1997–98. Mark Hughes and David Beckham are the other three winners since the award’s establishment. One would have to be quite courageous to wager against it occurring.
LAST FIVE WINNERS
2021/22: Cristiano Ronaldo2020/21: Bruno Fernandes2019/20: Bruno Fernandes2018/19: Luke Shaw2017/18: David De Gea