David de Gea has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo on Manchester United’s roll of honour by landing a record-breaking fourth Player of the Year award.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been a model of consistency for the Red Devils during a period of much change, with the 27-year-old proving to be a reassuring presence in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
His fine form has been recognised on a regular basis, with an impressive skill set considered by many to have lifted him to the very top of the game in his chosen position.
United certainly would not swap him for anybody else, amid the ongoing talk of interest from Real Madrid, with those at Old Trafford having once again selected him as the club’s standout performer for 2017-18.
De Gea has now scooped the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award four times in the space of five seasons.
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He claimed three successive gongs between 2014 and 2016 before fellow countryman Ander Herrera temporarily broke his monopoly in 2017.
Normal service has now been resumed, with De Gea writing his own piece of Old Trafford history with his latest prize.
He said after receiving the trophy: "It's difficult for words what Manchester United means to me.
"It's amazing to play for the club, the history, the fans, everything.
"It was hard in the beginning, but I believed in myself, I worked hard and I am proud of myself as well.
"I want to say thanks to everyone. I didn't expect to win this one. I have four, it's amazing for me and thanks again to everyone."
Having previously sat level with Ronaldo on three wins apiece, a world-class performer now sits alone at the top of the charts.
A fourth award also moves him two clear of iconic figures such as Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney.
On a memorable night for De Gea at United’s end of season awards party on Tuesday, he also collected the Players’ Player of the Year prize.
Earning the respect of his team-mates still means plenty to the Spaniard, and he hopes there will be collective triumphs to come as the Red Devils chase down FA Cup glory.
He said on MUTV: "I think it is special to receive this award from my team-mates, I love all of them.
"We are fighting for second place and we are in the [FA Cup] final, but we are Manchester United so it is not enough. We have to improve for next season. Of course, it’s good to finish the season with a trophy, especially with Wembley and the fans."
Elsewhere on the night, Nemanja Matic won United’s Goal of the Season award for his stunning effort in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace and exciting youngster Tahith Chong took the Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year gong.
