Although 2021 has been difficult at the best of times, there have been some rather memorable moments over the calendar year. So please sit back, stick the kettle on and enjoy our 2021 awards!
2022 is nearly upon us, and Manchester United fans will hope the new year brings new memories, more wins and most importantly- a trophy!
Best Goal...
We have been treated to some fantastic goals over the last year. From Amad's headed first goal for the club to Mason Greenwood's empathic finish against Newcastle, which took the roof off of Old Trafford, there have been some wonderfully-taken goals.
It is with a heavy heart not to grant this award to Cristiano Ronaldo and his first goal back at the club, but there simply couldn't be a more deserving winner than El Matador himself; Edinson Cavani.
Cavani's outrageous 40-yard lob against Fulham was simply spectacular. The (faint) touch from Bruno Fernandes allowed Cavani to take the shot first time from just past the halfway line, which was topped off by a textbook Cavani knee-slide celebration. It was also the first game that had fans back at Old Trafford since the beginning of the pandemic. Limbs.
Best Moment...
There have been some incredible moments for United this year. The annual away win to PSG in the Champions League was enjoyable. The Bruno Fernandes free-kick saw Liverpool crash out the FA Cup, but there is one moment that has been etched into United folklore forever.
The king's return. After 11 long years, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had come home. Ronaldo quite simply broke the internet when he returned to Old Trafford, and without a shadow of a doubt, the moment of 2021 was when he scored on his first game back in the 4-1 win against Newcastle. The rings of 'SUIII' bounced around Old Trafford, which will go down as the very best moment of 2021. Viva Ronaldo!
Most Improved Player...
Okay, we know this is the award nobody wants to win. Although it's supposed to celebrate a player coming on leaps and bounds, everyone sees it as an award for someone who used to be pretty rubbish. But we insist this is a celebration of the player we believe has overcome critics and showed vast improvement.
Since his arrival to Manchester United, Fred has been blasted from pillar to post with many believing he was not good enough to play for the club. But so often, in 2021, he has given his all and shown he can play in the midfield. Although not the finished product, and there still seems like there's more to come from the Brazillian, he has come on leaps and bounds and proved he can make a difference for United. Fred, we salute you.
Best win...
This category is usually more straightforward when United win silverware but fear not. We have racked our brains for the best win of the year, and before we announce it, there are a couple of honourable mentions.
United's 4-2 second-leg win against AS Roma in the semi-final of the Europa League was a solid performance that saw them get to the final (we won't mention anything that happened after). Another memorable game was in this season's Champions League group stages.
In a must-win game, United went 1-0 down to Villarreal. A sensational edge-of-the-box volley from Alex Telles set the stage for the Champions League king to step up and score a 95th-minute winner. Boy, it's good to have Ronaldo back.
But without a doubt, the best win of 2021 has to be the 9-0 thrashing of Southampton back in early February. The scoreline speaks for itself and has to be the one that takes the crown for the best win of the calendar year.
That concludes today's ceremony. Maybe we've had a few too many glasses of champagne! Let's hope next year's awards are dominated by a late title charge, an FA Cup, and Champions League glory for United.
What did you enjoy about 2021 for Manchester United? Follow our United on my Mind trends writer Anil Kandola and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
