PFA Young Player Of The Year 1/2

Let's have a look at some previous winners of the PFA Young Player of the Year...

And then look at whether they had the careers to match that obvious potential. This first article out of 2 will look at those who definitely did become the players that many expected. 

What is the PFA Young Player of the Year award?

The PFA Young Player of the Year is an annual award given to the player aged 23 or under at the start of the season who is adjudged to have been the best of the season in English football.

Some famous faces from United and City's history have won the award in recent years.

Mark Hughes - 1984/1985

Hughes scored over 20 goals during the 84/85 season and helped his side win the Fa Cup. He carried on this great during United's unsuccessful run for the title in 85/86. This form earned him a move to Barcelona.

His time at the Nou Camp was unsuccessful and he eventually returned to Old Trafford where he would go onto win most trophies on offer to him.

Ryan Giggs - 1991/1992 and 1992/1993

Giggs won the award in successive seasons and played a huge part in United winning their first league title in 26 years during the 1992/1993 season.

He would go onto have a legendary career and eventually retired at the end of the 2013/2014 season.

Watch: Ryan Giggs, The Welsh Wizard [Goals & Skills]

Leroy Sané - 2017/2018

The German winger was a key part of Man City's Premier League side that picked up over 100 points. See the video below for some of his best bits. He is now at Bayern Munich. 

Wayne Rooney - 2004/2005 and 2005/2006

Rooney won the award in two successive seasons. United only won a League Cup during those two seasons but they would go onto become champions of England and eventual Europe and the World. 

Cristiano Ronaldo - 2006/2007

This was Ronaldo's breakthrough season after three years of relative inconsistency. Ronaldo did a rare double during that season and went onto win the main PFA Player of the Year award. 

Three years of outstanding performances at Old Trafford earned him a move to Real Madrid. He is now at Juventus and is an icon of the game.