Manchester United are still playing some way off the standard expected under Louis van Gaal, yet the Premier League giants have produced some moments of magic this season.
Surprisingly for Red Devils fans, Angel di Maria – who has been hugely underwhelming since his blockbuster £59.7m switch from the Santiago Bernabeu – stars in all four contenders for goal of the season.
READ MORE:
Read the latest Manchester United transfer news!
Manchester United flop backed to shine next season by club legend
Man United make desperate bid to keep Real Madrid target
The club have announced the four nominees on their official Twitter account, and Red Devils supporters can have their say in a fan vote. Watch the contenders in the videos below…
Angel di Maria vs Leicester City
The 5-3 loss to the Foxes is undoubtedly one of the worst results for Manchester United this season – and certainly the most embarrassing – but this moment of sublime skill from new signing Angel di Maria gave fans hope that he could be key in helping the club return to the European stage.
While this hasn’t been the case, with the Argentina international dropped from the starting XI after a series of underwhelming performances, this finish proves just how talented Di Maria is. With the ball under his feet, he pulled off an audacious lob over Kasper Schmeichel from close range.
Ander Herrera vs Yeovil Town
The Glovers proved a huge challenge in the fourth round of the FA Cup for Louis van Gaal’s men, and it took a moment of class from Herrera to help set up a meeting with Preston North End in the next stage of the competition.
Despite the goal coming against a club from League One, no one can take away the technique and vision for the Spaniard to pull off this long-range shot with his back to goal.
Since his return from injury, the midfielder has unquestionably become one of the Red Devils’ star players, and has helped eased supporter’s disappointments over the form of Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria.
Juan Mata vs Liverpool
The Spaniard had a quiet start to life at Old Trafford following his move from Stamford Bridge, but burst into life in the second half of this season.
This scissor-kick strike from the playmaker proved to not only be his finest highlight of the campaign; it also sealed three crucial points over fierce rivals Liverpool in their search for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Angel di Maria set up the former Chelsea man unmarked in the box, but he still had plenty to do, and illustrated his natural ability by adjusting his body to acrobatically volley the ball home.
Wayne Rooney vs Aston Villa
Angel di Maria was again the provider versus Villa – setting captain Wayne Rooney up in the box with a cross from the left flank, but it was the striker’s control and thunderbolt finish on the half-volley – with his back to goal – that grabs the plaudits.
The Argentine’s part in all four of the goal of the season contenders begs the question: does the winger deserve another chance to impress at Old Trafford next term?