PFA Chief Hails Reds

United’s Nemanja Vidic, Javier Hernandez and Nani have been praised by Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, after the trio were all nominated by their peers for prestigious awards.

Vidic is on the seven-strong shortlist to be named PFA Player of the Year, while Hernandez and Nani are both in the running for PFA Young Player of the Year. The winners of both awards are due to be announced next Sunday, 17 April.

Taylor said of Reds skipper Vidic: “He has been a real success story for United, and he is now acknowledged as one of the best defenders in the world. And his partnership with Rio Ferdinand is as good as any in the game.

“It is not often that defenders are recognised by their fellow pros in our awards, but he certainly deserves to be nominated. He is a great example to youngsters and a superb exponent of the defensive art. He has been one of the cornerstones of the team’s success so far this season, and what a great investment he has been for Sir Alex and United.”

Vidic’s rivals are Blackpool's Charlie Adam, Spurs' Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart, West Ham’s Scott Parker, Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and Arsenal’s Samir Nasri.

Turning to the PFA Young Player award, Taylor said of Hernandez: “We didn’t know a lot about him, but he was impressive at the World Cup and to come into the Premier League and make such an instant impression is quite remarkable, especially for someone so young. The way he has adapted to the English game is quite exceptional, and it says a lot for his character and ability that he has been able to come over here and showcase everything that is good about Mexican football. He plays with a smile on his face, and we are delighted he is plying his trade in this country. He has been a great addition to our game.”

As for Nani’s nomination, Taylor said: “After the unprecedented success of Cristiano Ronaldo, there was always going to be pressure on fellow countryman Nani when his pal left for Real. But, having been given his head and more responsibility, he has truly made his own mark this season.

“I have seen him take some horrific tackles at times from defenders bamboozled by his trickery, but he shows great bravery and simply gets himself up, dusts himself down and gets on with it. Nani has always had the ability but now he is getting the opportunities to show it on a regular basis. I hope he will continue to blossom and get to the same level as Ronaldo. He has some way to go but he has the opportunity and I hope he takes it.”

Nani and Hernandez are joined on the young player shortlist by Bale and Nasri plus Everton's Seamus Coleman, Manchester City's Joe Hart and Arsenal's Jack Wilshere.