The Reds were beaten in the Manchester derby before a superb 3-2 victory over Tottenham revived hopes of being able to mount a challenge for a top-four place in the Premier League.

In our most recent outing, Ralf Rangnick's side exited the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage after a 1-0 loss on the night, 2-1 on aggregate, to Atletico Madrid.

Hence, it was a difficult month for United but three players are competing for our trophy. The names that stood out when it came to the nominations - Fred, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. There were also honourable mentions for Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic and Raphael Varane.

So let's take a closer look at our three contenders' credentials...

FRED: 3 appearances / 1 assist

The ever-willing Brazilian was our star man in the European exit to Atletico Madrid, showing off some wonderful flashes of skill including one amazing moment of brilliance in front of the East Stand. There was also a clever flick to Ronaldo that set up the Portugal international's ferocious opener in the victory over Spurs and his overall performance against the north Londoners also drew acclaim, particularly as his driving runs from deep turned defence into attack.

The derby was a difficult afternoon for everybody in red but Fred's performances have been on a high level of late, and this is the second time he has been nominated after also being on the shortlist for December's award.

CRISTIANO RONALDO: 2 appearances / 3 goals

Our no.7 may have been restricted to two appearances this month, due to a hip problem that forced him out of the Manchester derby, but his heroics in driving the team on against Spurs simply cannot be overlooked. In what was clearly a must-win fixture for the Reds, he lit up the Old Trafford stage with a thunderbolt opener that rolled back the years. 

Ronaldo was on hand to touch in Sancho's square pass to regain the lead and, after the visitors again got back on level terms, he showed aggression and tenacity to get his head to Alex Telles's corner to complete his hat-trick and earn three valuable points from a 3-2 win, departing to a standing ovation when substituted towards the end. 

Although failing to get a shot on target against Atletico, he dropped deep to try to help knit things together and was not far away at the far post from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. He may be as disappointed as anyone by the Champions League exit but he is definitely a strong contender for this prize.

JADON SANCHO: 3 appearances / 1 goal, 1 assist

February's Player of the Month could repeat the trick after continuing his impressive form. The left-winger provided the highlight from a United perspective at the Etihad Stadium, by curling home an equaliser against his former club.

Although things did not go our way after that special strike, Sancho was lively again in the win over Spurs and an unselfish pass to Ronaldo enabled us to take a 2-1 lead at Old Trafford. A constant outlet down the flanks, the England international stayed on for the duration of the Atletico tie as the Reds sought a way past their well-organised defence. 

Indeed, his volley over the bar in front of the Stretford End was one of the best chances we created all night. The only surprise is his form has not earned a recall to Gareth Southgate's squad for the upcoming international friendlies.

Simply select your choice in the poll above. We’ll announce the winner on Saturday.

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