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Football

01st May 2018

Manchester United’s Goal of the Season goes to a deserved winner

It was the only real contender

Reuben Pinder

It was a screamer

Tonight, Manchester United held their annual awards evening. Awards were handed out and recognition was given to the players, coaches and staff who have made a significant impact at the club this season.

Earlier today, Zlatan Ibrahmimović names his personal pick for Player of the Season, claiming David De Gea has outperformed his teammates this season. That is hard to debate; once again, the Spanish goalkeeper has rescued United countless times, and deserves to be recognised for his heroics.

One award that might spark more debate, though, is the Goal of the Season. Antonio Valencia could make a fair case that his left-footed screamer against Stoke would be a worthy winner. It’s rare that you see Valencia use his weaker foot, let alone unleash a rocket with it.

But Goal of the Season had to go to Nemanja Matić, for his last minute strike against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to clinch a 3-2 victory. That goal completed a comeback after going two goals behind to the south Londoners, encapsulating the strong mentality shown by United to fight back and take the lead.

During his acceptance speech, he joked that he had watched the goal maybe 300 times. But even if he wasn’t joking, you couldn’t blame him – it’s a beauty. The dipping trajectory just takes it away from Wayne Hennessey, sparking some incredible celebrations in the away end.

This goal made that long trip down to Selhurst on a Monday night completely worth it, it was the only real contender.