Three United Players nominated for PFA Prize

Last updated : 05 April 2002 By Rob Cooper
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy Scores Against Aston Villa
United stars Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and David Beckham have all been named on a shortlist of six for the PFA Player of the Year Award. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on Sunday 14th April. The United trio are joined on the shortlist by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Robert Pires and Thiery Henry.

Last years award was won by then United forward Teddy Sheringham. The previous year it was won by Roy Keane so United will be hoping to complete a unique treble this year.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been in sensational form this season after completing a £19 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven last summer. After missing nearly the whole of last season with a snapped cruciate ligament he has hit a remarkable thirty-two goals this season.

David Beckham has enjoyed a spectacular year and will hope to add the PFA Trophy to the accolades he has already won including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and the FIFA World Player of the Year Runner-up. He has scored sixteen times this season, a personal best and has captained England to the World Cup finals.

Roy Keane meanwhile has enjoyed another good season in the United midfield. The Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain who won the award two years ago will hope that history repeats itself.

A scan on Roy Keane's knee revealed no damage, there had been fears that he would miss the World Cup. Unfortunately a pulled hamstring will keep him out of action for the next four to six weeks so he could well miss the European Cup final should United make it.

The nominations for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award are as follows:-

Craig Bellamy (Newcastle United)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Ledley King (Tottenham)
Michael Ricketts (Bolton)
John Terry (Chelsea)
Darius Vassell (Aston Villa)