Diogo Dalot names three contenders for Manchester United Player of the Year award

Right-back Diogo Dalot believes it will be a three-horse race to win this season's Manchester United Player of the Year award.

United, who will be under the stewardship of new manager Erik ten Hag next season, brought the curtain down on a forgettable campaign on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite suffering a fourth defeat in their last six matches, it was not enough to condemn the club to Europa Conference League football next season, with them scooping sixth ahead of West Ham United.

But securing Europa League football should not be seen as an achievement for the Reds; they entered this season with aspirations of winning trophies again and fell well short. They have let the supporters down on countless occasions and huge improvements must be made over the coming months.

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Despite their collective misery, United's supporters could find it tough to select their Player of the Year, with both David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo each proving to be a shining lights during a period of darkness. The former was excellent between the sticks, producing several eye-catching displays, whilst Ronaldo notched 24 goals in all competitions in his first season back at Old Trafford.

And whilst Dalot believes the duo should be in contention for the gong, he also thinks Fred could be in with a chance of scooping the prize. The Brazilian, though often under the radar, enjoyed a really encouraging second half of the season, proving to be one of the best performers under former interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

"That is a secret vote, I think, for us," Dalot joked when speaking to United's club website. "But I am sure we're