Pog first winner of Europa star player accolade
PAUL Pogba has been named the Europa League Player of the Season.
He was shortlisted for the award alongside team-mates Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic after winning the tournament with the Reds.
Pogba was announced as the winner after the Europa League group stage draw in Monaco but he was unable to attend the ceremony as he is preparing for United’s Premier League match against Leicester on Saturday.
All three players helped United reach win the trophy and secure a Champions League place for this season.
Mkhitaryan and Pogba scored in the 2-0 win over Ajax in the final in Stockholm, while Ibrahimovic scored five goals before suffering a knee injury against Anderlecht in the quarter-final.
Pogba is the first recipient of the award and the accolade capped a fine first season back at Old Trafford for the 24-year-old.
He said: “I’m honoured to be the first one to win. Hopefully this season will be as good as last year.”
Although Mkhitaryan just lost out to Pogba for the individual honour, he also enjoyed a successful campaign at Old Trafford, which culminated in him scoring in the Europa League final – one of six he scored in the competition.
The popular Armenian described winning the trophy as his highlight of the season.