United midfielder shortlisted for award

Michael Carrick is up for the NorthWest Football Awards' Player of the Year

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick has been shortlisted for the NorthWest Football Awards’ Player of the Year award for the Barclays Premier League, according to the club’s official website. Carrick enjoyed yet another consistent year for the Red Devils last season, guiding them to yet another Premier League trophy in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last year as manager.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel currently holds the award having won it a year ago, and this time around it could go to another Anfield favorite, as the retired Jamie Carragher is also in the running for the award. Everton defender Leighton Baines, Wigan’s Shaun Maloney, and Manchester City right back Pablo Zabaleta round out the rest of the field. Maloney makes the list after an impressive season for Wigan Athletic as the Latics won the FA Cup over Manchester City, although the club couldn’t avoid relegation.
Michael Carrick has gone from being one of the most underrated players in England to a lynchpin in United’s midfield in recent years, and has recently been picking up accolades for his individual performances. Carrick was in the running for last season’s PFA Player of the Year award, with Arsene Wenger tipping the midfielder to win it. Gareth Bale ultimately took home the honor, but Carrick’s stock continues to rise.