The Debate: United's player of 2023

It was an expert line-up in to discuss the issue, with host Mark Sullivan joined by former United players David May and Ben Thornley, as well as journalists Carl Anka and Neil Custis.

There have been many historic highlights across the year, key among those being Erik ten Hag collecting his first silverware for the Reds, beating Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium to win the Carabao Cup, and more recently Alejandro Garnacho's incredible acrobatic finish in the opening moments against Everton to silence a lively Goodison Park crowd.

Looking back over the past 12 months, our panel have collated all those moments and picked out their standout player for 2023, and you can find out who they went for below...

AARON WAN-BISSAKA
Selected by Ben Thornley

The right-back has had an important role in United's past year, playing a key part in memorable wins against Barcelona, Chelsea, and more recently in the comeback victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Ben said: "I'm going to stick with who I thought finished off last season really well, and I'm going to say Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

"I think he's consistently performing to the level that Manchester United need at full-back, and I know he's not been in the team as much, but yeah, I'm sticking with Aaron Wan-Bissaka."

BRUNO FERNANDES
Selected by Neil Custis

It's been a memorable year for the Portuguese playmaker, having been awarded with the United captaincy, and lifting his first trophy for the Reds in the Carabao Cup. Our ever-dependable skipper is always high on the list in these discussions and this year is no different. 

Neil said: "Maybe not the popular choice but for me Bruno [Fernandes] is always there, he's always wanting the ball, always involved.

"The other night [v Aston Villa], second half, he was everywhere and, for me, Bruno Fernandes is key to this team."

BRUNO FERNANDES
Selected by Carl Anka

A nod to how well the past 12 months have gone for Fernandes, he comes up once again, as the selection of The Athletic reporter Carl Anka.

Carl said: "I'm going to agree with Neil, Bruno Fernandes. I had a look at all of the Player of the Month awards across 2023 and you can really see players coming in and out of form.

"So Bruno hasn't got the most, I think he's tied with Marcus [Rashford] for the most Player of the Month awards in 2023, so I'm going to give it to him and say, 'There you go, player of the year.'"

AARON WAN-BISSAKA & ALEJANDRO GARNACHO
Selected by David May

There have been a variety of standout performers over the year, so much so that former Red David May couldn't decide. However, Garnacho gets a deserved mention, with his performances earning him a regular starting spot in the latter half of the year. 

David said: "I'll have a little bit of Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] and a little bit of Garnacho. I think he's [Garnacho] come to the fore now, he's done really, really well.

"Add a few more goals to this season and he'll be up there for Player of the Year."