Ryan Giggs earns PFA merit award

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Ryan Giggs joined a long line of Manchester United greats by winning the PFA Merit Award on Sunday. (April 24 2016)


The former United winger followed in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Bobby Charlton in picking up the prize, which is given for "meritorious service to football".

Giggs made a club record 963 appearances for the Red Devils and remains the most decorated player in the English game, having won 13 league titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League crowns during a glittering career.

Now assistant manager to Louis van Gaal, winning the PFA Merit award completes the set for Giggs, who was named Player of the Year in 2009 and Young Player of the Year in both 1992 and 1993.

"I'm chuffed to have to have won all three awards, the young player was a long time ago and then the player award was a big surprise," Giggs said.

"This is the culmination of around 25 years since my debut, so it's a credit to myself, my team-mates, staff, family and friends.

"When you win each award you look down the trophy and you see the players who have won it before and you realise what a great accolade it is.

"This is the same. I've been here on the nights when people have won it and it's legends of the game. I'm fortunate to win it and I'll enjoy it."

Giggs also played 64 times for Wales, but never played a major international tournament for his country, with his most notable achievements coming under Ferguson at United.

Asked what the key was to his success at Old Trafford, Giggs said: "What Sir Alex always used to say was enjoy it. It was the last thing he said when you went out and played.

"Everything that comes with that obviously - improve every day, practise, listen, dedicate yourself - but most of all enjoy your football.

"That went for playing when I was 17 until when I was 40. It was a privilege to play at Old Trafford and I tried to enjoy it."

United have endured a disappointing season under Van Gaal, with the team sitting five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand over the Gunners.

There is still a chance of silverware, however, after they beat Everton on Saturday to reach a record-equalling 19th FA Cup final.

"It's obviously big," Giggs said. "The club have got great history in the FA Cup and it's 12 years since we've won it.

"It was great yesterday to get to the final. It's a showcase. It's one of my first memories of football, the FA Cup, so it's special to me.

"I was fortunate to win it four times so to win it as a coach would be equally as special."

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Riyad Mahrez won the PFA Player of the Year award and then dedicated the prize to all his Leicester team-mates.

Mahrez was presented with the prestigious trophy at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Sunday after contributing 17 goals and 11 assists to the Foxes' fairytale campaign.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Mahrez was flown down by helicopter to the ceremony from the King Power Stadium, where Claudio Ranieri's side had earlier thrashed Swansea 4-0 to move eight points clear at the top of the table.

The Algerian held off competition from Dimitri Payet, Harry Kane, Mesut Ozil and fellow Leicester men Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kante to win the award, but dedicated the success to his team-mates.

"All the credit is for them, seriously," Mahrez said.

"And for my manager and the staff. Without them I wouldn't receive this award and I wouldn't score. It's the team spirit, and I want to dedicate it to them.

"I'm very grateful to receive this award, it's a pleasure. It's extra special because if the players vote for me it's because they've seen I've been great this year so I'm happy.

"But it's more team things. Without my team-mates I wouldn't get this award."

Mahrez has been instrumental in his team's remarkable rise and he now joins a glittering list of former winners that includes Kenny Dalglish, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Some bookmakers had Leicester at 5000/1 to be crowned champions at the start of the season, but, with three games left, they stand on the brink of arguably the greatest shock in English football history.

"The secret has been team spirit," Mahrez said.

"We work so hard for each other. We are like brothers, it's everywhere on the pitch. That's our strength.

"If sometimes we are not good, we know we are going to run and make the effort for our team-mates. That is the secret of our success."

Alli was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after registering 10 goals and 12 assists in his debut campaign in the Barclays Premier League.

The 20-year-old beat team-mate Harry Kane to the prize, as well as Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Everton duo Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley.

Alli was unable to collect the award in person, with Spurs hosting West Brom on Monday, but Ossie Ardiles picked it up on his behalf and the youngster sent a video message.

"Thank you Ossie, the Tottenham legend for receiving this award for me," Alli said.

"Sorry I can't be there tonight, but we have a big game tomorrow. Thank you for to everyone who voted for me.

"I feel honoured to win such a prestigious award and thank you to my friends, family and all the staff at Tottenham."

Perhaps Alli's finest moment this season came against Crystal Palace in January, when he cushioned the ball on his knee, flicked it over his head and volleyed home from outside the penalty area.

England manager Roy Hodgson handed the midfielder his international debut against Estonia in October and a month later he scored his first goal for his country, finding the top corner against France at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Izzy Christiansen won the PFA Women's Player of the Year award, Sunderland forward Beth Mead took the Women's Young Player of the Year award and Ryan Giggs was handed the PFA Merit award.