Manchester United dominate PFA award nominees

'It was a hard decision for me to quit international football but I felt it would help my career and I was proved right really,' says Giggs (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is the only non-Manchester United player on the PFA's shortlist for Player of the Year.

The nominees, voted for before United's recent dip in form, are Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic and Steven Gerrard.

Ryan Giggs, who has made most of his appearances from the substitute's bench this season, was suggested as a contender for the award in recognition of his career as much as his good form for United this season.

Ronaldo would become the first player to win the award three years in a row if he was to scoop the award.

The other three United players, Ferdinand, van der Sar and Vidic have been nominated based on their excellent defensive record this term that saw them go 14 matches without scoring a goal.

The nominees for PFA Young Player of the Year were also announced today. They are: Jonny Evans and Rafael Da Silva of Manchester United, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young of Aston Villa, Aaron Lennon of Tottenham and Stephen Ireland of Manchester City.

The awards take place on 26 April.