Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, Chelsea's Cole Palmer among 6 candidates nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year award
The six-man shortlist for the 2023-24 PFA Young Player of the Year award has been released, featuring Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Michael Olise, Joao Pedro, and Alejandro Garnacho. The PFA awards are voted for by the players themselves in recognition of their peers' performances over the course of the season.
The current holder of the award, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, made the list after an impressive season with the Gunners in the Premier League. The Englishman scored 16 goals and provided nine assists for Mikel Arteta's side in 35 league appearances as they finished second.
Chelsea man Cole Palmer was the revelation of the season and he more than merited his inclusion in the shortlist. The 22-year-old scored 22 league goals and provided 11 assists for the Blues, earning him the league's Young Player of the Season award.
Manchester United duo of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo also made the shortlist after performing excellently for the Red Devils. Garnacho managed seven goals and four assists in 36 league appearances. Mainoo finished the season with three goals and an assist in 24 appearances for Manchester United.
New Bayern Munich signing Michael Olise also made the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year after an impressive 2023-24 season. The Frenchman represented Crystal Palace 19 times in the division, scoring ten goals and providing six assists.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro is the last nominee for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. The Brazilian contributed nine goals and three assists in 31 appearances in his debut season with the Seagulls.
Manchester United set to complete double tranfer swoop - Reports
Manchester United are edging closer to completing the signing of Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Fabrizio Romano has reported that medicals have been conducted for two defenders.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the signings, as their arrival provides greater defensive depth to his squad. The manager is familiar with both players, having worked with them during his time in charge of Ajax.
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui are expected to be in the Red Devils squad for their Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka set to join West Ham United, Mazraoui will be pushing for a start in the game.