Cristiano Ronaldo's performances in the 2021-22 season have seen the Manchester United star nominated for the player of the season award in the NorthWest Football Awards.
The United man is one of five nominees, including Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and current holder Mohamed Salah of Liverpool. The list is rounded off by Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who has remained at Turf Moor as the Clarets aim to bounce back following their relegation last term.
Ronaldo has been used sparingly by new manager Erik ten Hag, making just his second start of the campaign in Thursday's Europa League defeat at home to Real Sociedad. However, a productive 2021-22 season on a personal level has earned him the nod, while United players are also in the frame for other awards.
United are also represented in the rising star category, with Alejandro Garnacho making the cut. The Argentine teenager made his senior debut for United under Ralf Rangnick last season, and has featured twice from the bench this term. Erik ten Hag has been keen to fast-track the youngster's development, keeping him in and around the first team this season despite offers from more than 20 clubs to take him on loan.
As reported by manutd.com, his rivals for the award include two players who have featured more prominently this season. Harvey Elliott has been a regular starter in Liverpool's midfield after missing a chunk of last season with an ankle injury, while Anthony Gordon is Everton's top scorer this season and was the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea.
Manchester City's James McAtee is also in the mix after making his Premier League debut last term, while Burnley defender Owen Dodgson and Tranmere and Ireland youngster Lee O'Connor are also in the mix. McAtee, who turns 20 in October, is currently on loan at Championship high-flyers Sheffield United.
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There are also player of the season and rising star awards in women's football, with United star Ella Toone nominated in both categories. England star Toone, who turned 23 earlier this month, scored nine times for United in 2021-22 and netted for England in the Euro 2022 final.
Toone is among seven players in the mix for the main award, including England teammate Alex Greenwood. The Manchester City left-back, who had a season with United earlier in her career, came off the bench in all but one of England's games as Sarina Wiegman's team won the Euros on home soil.
Another England star, Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp, is among the nominees for the rising star award. The ceremony is due to take place at Old Trafford cricket ground on November 7.
