Ricky Sbragia points during a United Under-23s game

Sbragia: Why this trio are up for our Reserves award

Thursday 19 April 2018 15:00

Manchester United's Under-23s may have had a difficult season in Premier League 2 but the three candidates for the Denzil Haroun Player of the Year award have all earned praise from coach Ricky Sbragia.

Ethan Hamilton has been a consistent performer in midfield and made the substitutes' bench for the Emirates FA Cup tie at Huddersfield Town earlier this year. Goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara nailed down the no.1 slot and has forced his way into the Republic of Ireland squad, while Demi Mitchell was very influential before departing for Hearts on loan in January.
United's three Reserves nominees: Ethan Hamilton, Demi Mitchell and Kieran O'Hara

"Ethan has been a reliable up and downer," Sbragia told ManUtd.com. "It can be forgotten but he's been like that all season. You see the flair and skill players getting attention and forget some of the other things. He's been very consistent, has led by example and trains well.

"He gives his all and that's all you can ask. That's Ethan and you just accept him. He's just there and okay, he never gets a lot of recognition, even if he did get that senior call-up and a taste of first-team level.

What Hamilton learned from the first team

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Academy prospect Ethan was stunned to see his shirt alongside in the senior dressing room at Huddersfield.

"Kieran has done well all season and been rewarded with promotion to the Republic of Ireland full squad from the Under-21s. He's saved us a lot of times and made some particularly good stops in the win at Liverpool. 

Hot prospect signs new United contract

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Reserves goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara has penned a new deal that will run until 2020.

"Demi showed in Scotland when he went up there that it's not a big step up for him. No disrespect to Scottish football but I think he went in there and dealt with it. It was a change for him in how Craig Levein at Hearts sees him playing and following the path he wants him to play.

"I spoke to Demi and he loves it. It's first-team football, and he was playing extremely well before the injury, it's been a great progression for his footballing experience."

Transfer news: Mitchell loaned to Hearts

 Article

Our highly-rated full-back has joined the Scottish Premiership side for the remainder of the campaign.

You can now cast your vote for the award by visiting www.ManUtd.com/POTY. Voting closes on Monday 30 April at 23:59 BST, so make sure you have your say! 

The polls are open... so who gets your vote?

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Only you will decide who wins the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, plus three other prizes.