Heinze tops vote of United players

GABRIEL HEINZE has added Manchester United’s players’ player of the year award to his fans’ prize.

The popular Argentinian full-back polled 31% of votes among the Red Devils’ first-team squad, beating Wayne Rooney (27%) into second place and Cristiano Ronaldo (12%) into third.

It proves what an impact Heinze had in his first season at Old Trafford, which was delayed by his gold medal-winning appearance at the Olympics.

“It’s fine to receive awards from the media and people outside the game, but it’s more special when it comes from your team-mates, the people you work with every day,” Heinze told the official Manchester United magazine.

“I really value and appreciate their decision, especially when you think it is my first season here and it’s such a big change when you are settling into a massive club like Manchester United.

“I am quite touched by the gesture.”