Cristiano Ronaldo has been overlooked by his Manchester United team-mates in the end-of-season Players' Player of the Awards, after David de Gea was chosen to receive the prize.
The Portuguese superstar has enjoyed a fruitful return to Manchester after scoring 24 goals in all competitions, 18 of which came in the Premier League. Only Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min - who shared the Golden Boot award - scored more than the veteran forward.
He also racked up seven man of the match awards after a number of important displays for the Red Devils, bagging hat-tricks in 3-2 victories over Tottenham and Norwich respectively. Ronaldo was also responsible for a number of late goals which helped United progress to the Champions League knockout stage before their exit to Atletico Madrid.
But the 37-year-old's efforts clearly weren't enough to convince his team-mates to vote for him at the end of the season, with goalkeeper De Gea scooping the gong. Like Ronaldo, the Spaniard was named man of the match seven times for Man United last season.
Still, Ronaldo may have some reason to feel aggrieved at the snub, given De Gea conceded 57 goals in his 38 appearances. But the shot-stopper made some important saves which arguably prevented that tally from being much higher, such as his last-gasp penalty stop against West Ham to secure a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
De Gea, who was ever-present after playing every single minute of United's league campaign, has now won the award on four occasions, more than any other player. His performances during the festive period, winning the club's player of the month in November, December and January, were enough to help the 31-year-old pip Ronaldo.
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The United star can at least console himself with the fact that players in the Premier League recognised his performances after being nominated on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year. Ronaldo has been nominated for the accolade again after winning it following the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons and could become the first player to win it three times.
It has been a miserable campaign for United overall, stuttering to finish sixth in the Premier League with their lowest points total since the league was formed in 1992. They will play Europa League football next season with a major overhaul expected at Old Trafford this summer under new head coach Erik ten Hag.
And the Dutchman will be hoping that there are several contenders from United for individual awards next season under his management, with Ronaldo and De Gea expected to play a key role for the Red Devils once again.
