Share Manchester United have claimed an awards double with Sir Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic landing the Barclays Manager and Player of the Season honours. Ferguson led United to their historic 19th league title this season, an amazing 12th for him as manager of the club. He has also taken the Reds to the Champions League final, where they will face Catalan giants Barcelona at Wembley. Top of the lot again: Sir Alex Ferguson with his Barclays Manager of the Season award Central defender Vidic has been a key man in United's defence once again, making more league starts than any other player during the campaign. Ferguson, 69, has now landed the top manager award from the Premier League sponsors for a ninth time, while Vidic has now been named player of the season twice in his United career. The votes come from representatives of football's governing bodies, the media and supporters. Case for the defence: Vidic has been superb again this season Ferguson's reign as United boss is the stuff of sporting folklore. Arriving from Aberdeen in 1986 with United an ailing force, he has completely resurrected the club's fortunes, and altered the landscape of English football for ever. Since clinching a first league title in 1993, United have established themselves as the premier force in the English game. This latest success has rubber-stamped that domination, with a 19th title putting them one clear of Liverpool, who ruled the game for much of the 1970s and 1980s. Some critics have complained this season that the current United team doesn't compare to some of those in the past, but Ferguson has dismissed the detractors. 'It is no easier now than it was in 1993,' he said. 'It is a great achievement. Everyone has shared in it. I enjoyed itas much as my first title. It becomes more of a challenge the longer you are at the club. 'Ifwe are not scoring 10 goals every game, we have our critics. The expectation is high. But it is high from us too, and the fans. They wantto see their best. 'Yes,you could criticise a lot of our away performances. They have been disappointing. But our home form has been fantastic. We have scored moregoals than anyone else. It is hard to criticise that kind of form.' The success for Vidic will placate many supporters, after the surprise decision of football writers to give West Ham's Scott Parker their player of the year award. The 29-year-old has been a consistently superb performer for United since arriving in 2006, helping the Reds to win four league titles, a European Cup and three League Cups. Sir Alex: I have no plans to retire from management... it keeps me alive. Ferguson targets three signings as United prepare to replace the old guard.
No comments:
Post a Comment