Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded with the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for last season. The message was published across social media on Saturday morning, with Manchester United supporters unanimous in their appreciation for the campaign that the 37-year-old had.
The United legend, who re-joined the club last September from Juventus, has been a standout player for the club in a disappointing season.
The veteran Portuguese forward scored 24 goals and provided three assists across the campaign. He had a stellar Champions League showing in the group stages, with six goals in five appearances, but was unable to help United navigate past Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in the round-of-16.
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In the Premier League, despite a mid-season dip, Ronaldo was able to score 18 goals with great goalscoring form towards the beginning and end of the season.
He was the third highest goalscorer in the division behind Mo Salah and Heung-Min Son, who were joint Golden Boot winners with 23 a piece.
Ronaldo's efforts were enough to earn him the prestigious Sir Matt Busby award, one that he has won on three prior occasions.
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He took to Instagram to show his appreciation for the supporters who helped him win the award.
"Thanks to all the fans who voted for me." Ronaldo wrote. "I couldn't be more proud of winning the Sir Matt Busby Award in my comeback year to Old Trafford and to the Premier League.
"This award goes to all of the supporters who've never let us down during a very difficult season,
"Thank you so much for always being on our side and for helping us get Man United back on track. We know we can count on you."
The heartfelt message will be well received from the fanbase who suffered so much throughout last season, but are hoping for improvements under the new management of Erik ten Hag.
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Despite speculation that he might not like having the Portuguese in his side, the Dutch manager has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo as "a giant" in the build up to his first pre-season with the club.
The pair shared a moment after Ten Hag's Ajax pipped Ronaldo's Juventus in the Champions League in 2019. Ajax went onto the semi-final that year in the Dutchman's most prominent campaign of management.
In his opening interview with the club, Ten Hag was insistent on suggesting that the team is not as bad as they played throughout last season, citing United's second placed finish in 2020/21 as an example that they can improve.
Ronaldo will no doubt be a leader in the dressing room, where Ten Hag will aim to install a winning mentality. He should also be able to provide the goods on the pitch, for at least another year.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League, Champions League
Cain Smith