Manchester United announce first time winner of the Players' Player of the Year award

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has won the Players' Player of the Year award.

Dalot lost his starting role last season but forced his way back into the starting team in 2023/24 and became one of the most consistent performers in United's dressing room.

The full-back started 35 games from a possible 38 in the Premier League and managed to avoid injury throughout the campaign, only being unavailable once through suspension.

The Players' Player of the Year award is decided by United's players and Dalot's campaign was acknowledged by his teammates, who voted him as the winner.

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Dalot has made a total of 49 appearances in all competitions - his versatility has been crucial in an injury-hit side - and he's set to start in the FA Cup final at the weekend.

The Portuguese international has won praise for his contribution in the final third and has scored three goals against Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic and Brighton. Dalot has five assists and was responsible for the cross that set up Scott McTominay's opening goal in the semi-final of the FA Cup against Coventry last month.

It's the first time Dalot, who signed for United in 2018 from Porto, has been named Players’ Player of the Year and he's an equally popular figure among United supporters. He signed a new five-year contract, which has the option of an additional year, with United last summer and he's settled in Manchester with his partner.

Marcus Rashford was named Players’ Player of the Year last season, an award that was created in 2006 when Ryan Giggs was recognised by his teammates.

United Players’ Player of the Year award winners

• 2005/06: Ryan Giggs

• 2006/07: Cristiano Ronaldo

• 2007/08: Cristiano Ronaldo

• 2008/09: Nemanja Vidic

• 2009/10: Wayne Rooney

• 2010/11: Nani

• 2011/12: Antonio Valencia

• 2012/13: Michael Carrick

• 2013/14: David De Gea

• 2014/15: David De Gea

• 2015/16: Chris Smalling

• 2016/17: Antonio Valencia

• 2017/18: David De Gea

• 2018/19: Luke Shaw

• 2019/20: Anthony Martial

• 2020/21: Luke Shaw

• 2021/22: David De Gea

• 2022/23: Marcus Rashford

• 2023/24: Diogo Dalot