Manchester United 2007/2008: The Awards

Manchester United undoubtedly enjoyed an extremely successful season, winning the Premier League (scoring more and conceding less) and also pipping Chelsea to the Champions League (where they went unbeaten).

There's no greater pleasure for me than to watch my team through every game of the season and see the good, the bad, and truly beautiful.

I have listed awards that I think apply to some of United's players and also some of the best moments throughout the season.

Overall Best Player Of The Season: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo easily wins this award. Producing match winning performances all season, he has been the catalyst to United snatching the double, notching 42 goals in 48 games.

He lit the league up with his pace and style. He entertained United fans all over the world with dazzling displays that continued to roll in game after game.

Like him or loathe him, Ronaldo was not only the best player for Manchester United this season, but the best in the whole league.

Best Defender: Rio Ferdinhand

This definitely was the best season ever for the Englishman in a red shirt. He was a giant in our defense and finally banished claims that he needs Vidic to partner him in order for him to perform well.

Some of his best performances came in the Champions League where he used his pace and heading ability to nip attacks in the bud.

The reason I picked him over the equally impressive Vidic and Evra was due to him also taking up the captaincy and doing a brilliant job under the pressure that no doubt accompanies it. If he continues like this as captain, he looks set to keep it for years to come.

Best Midfielder: Cristiano Ronaldo

Again, this needs no explanation. He didn't have much competition for this one. Even though Michael Carrick put in some good performances, I believe he still has a ways to go, and Paul Scholes didn't feature as heavily as usual.

Either way, it still would have been very hard to take this one from Ronny.

Best Striker: Carlos Tevez

Not much to choose from here. It's him or Rooney and Tevez edges it for me. He set the tone in a lot of games with constant running and tracking back to help out in midfield.

Easily my favorite player at the moment, watching him develop from a shaky start to become such an influential player has been a great pleasure.

Probably our best player in the Champions League (excluding the defence) and with 19 goals to his name, including some especially important goals against the likes of Spurs, Lyon, Blackburn and an opener against Chelsea. He had an absolutely fantastic season, with hopefully many more to follow.

Best Young Player: Anderson

Anderson was a breath of fresh air this season, proving himself to be quite a talent indeed. Powerful, quick and aggressive, the Brazilian youngster oozes potential and looks to be a legend in the making... just ask Gerrard and Fabregas.

When this guy adds goals to his name watch out.

Hardest Working Player: Carlos Tevez

Tevez easily wins this for me too. The only players to match his work-rate are Rooney, Park, and the Energizer Bunny. I'll pick Tevez due to his impact in important games.

Visibly fitter since his days with the Hammers, his hunger to chase the ball is never filled. His most noticeable performances as a running-machine came in the Champions League, especially against Roma.

He should remind you of Alan Smith in work-rate, but... with goals.

Most Consistent Player: Patrice Evra

Ok, you probably think I'm contradicting myself here as I said Ferdinand was the best defender, but Evra gets the nod for me here due to his consistency defending at an extremely high standard, but also going forward.

Evra is both a nuisance to the opposition's winger and a constant threat to their full back. A real live-wire.

Best Utility Player: Owen Hargreaves

Whether filling in at right-back, central midfield or even right-midfield, Hargreaves did his job effectively and consistently to a high level.

All this adding to the fact that it was his first season with United, with a high transfer fee to live up to, and a whole host of injuries limiting his involvement, Hargreaves has been nothing short of remarkable.

Best Individual Performance: Wes Brown vs. Barcelona

Although amazing over both legs, the second leg particularly stood out for me. A defensive rock throughout the game, especially towards the final minutes as Barcelona threw onslaught after onslaught of attacks against us, Brown inspired United to withstand it.

Not bad considering Barcelona are arguably the best attacking team in the world.

One of United's masterstroke's this season took place off the pitch in securing Brown to the club with a new contract after it was feared he would leave. He has shown us why he is worth every penny. The local lad has been a phenomenon.

Best Goal: Cristiano Ronaldo free kick vs. Portsmouth

A firm favorite for me, it was an amazing free kick that left the crowd in awe and David James in disgust. It was unique and was only heightened by the fact that James just seemed to stand still as it flew into the top corner, jaw hitting the floor.

The 30-yarder was a real beauty.

I remember watching it and the commentator saying "Well, this will most likely hit the wall." Nothing like hearing a Ronaldo critic eating his own words.

Best Move: Tevez's goal vs Middlesbrough

If Ronaldo's goal was the best individual goal, then this was the best team goal.

Anderson chipped the ball forward for Tevez to cushion into Rooney's path, then strode forward to finish in clinical fashion after the England man had returned possession with an inspired back-heel.

An absolute moment of beauty to keep you mesmerized for the rest of the game. It also banished claims that Arsenal were the only team to play the "beautiful game."

It finally put to bed criticism's that Rooney and Tevez were incapable of playing together.

A taste of more to come.

Best Moment In The Premier League: Manchester United 3 Liverpool 0

There were lots of moments, but beating the old enemy once again never loses the same intoxicating effect. Nani sealed the win with a fine strike, making a fool of the defense before sending a rocket past Reina.

Ferdinhand and Vidic added further insult to injury by making Fernando Torres look ordinary, which is no small task.

Gerrard left no doubt as to who bothered them most that day. "Rooney destroyed us with his direct running."

Best Moment In The Champions League: Paul Scholes rocket vs. Barcelona

Obviously, Van Der Sar's save in the final from Anelka came close, but we might not have been there if it wasn't for Paul Scholes.

His strike that took us to Moscow was reminiscent of days gone by when Scholes would bomb forward at any opportunity. The ball fell to Scholesy and even Barcelona should know that you don't leave Scholes alone to shoot from there.

Well that's it for me. These were some of the awards I credited to the players this season. It wasn't a season that will be forgotten easily. So feel free to add your own award's or give your opinion to those that are there already.