Manchester United have a magnificent seven they can build line-up around next season

Despite Manchester United's collective struggles this season, voting for the winner of the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award was not straightforward.

Bruno Fernandes was crowned the recipient of the award for a third time, but he was not without competition. Diogo Dalot finished a respectable second while Kobbie Mainoo, after an impressive breakout season, scooped the final spot on the podium.

Had Dalot or Mainoo pipped Fernandes to the post, few could have expressed disapproval. Dalot was one of the most consistent performers in the squad and Mainoo's sharp rise was nothing short of astounding.

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Both players, alongside Fernandes, will have ambitions of challenging for the individual honour again next season. They are all expected to survive this summer's shake-up at Old Trafford, with Mainoo one of four names who have been etched on the club's list of untouchables.

Portuguese duo Dalot and Fernandes have also made strong cases to bag places on that list, even if exits this summer are unlikely. Dalot chalked up 50 appearances this season just gone and Fernandes still managed to come up with 28 direct goal contributions (15 goals and 13 assists) in an underperforming team.

United have not ruled out the addition of a right-back this summer, but they have far more pressing matters to address before considering strengthening that department. Dalot is one of the club's most consistent performers and has undoubtedly improved his all-round game since Erik ten Hag took charge in 2022.

Fernandes is surely United's most important player.