Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho and full-back, Antonio Valencia have been nominated for the Premier League manager and player of the month awards, respectively.
Good start to the campaign
The two men have been pivotal parts of United's excellent start to the campaign, with Mourinho the first United manager in history to win his first four games in charge; claiming three points against Leicester City, AFC Bournemouth, Southampton and the late 1-0 victory over Hull City.
Valencia has also been a big factor in that form as he enters his eighth season at Old Trafford, providing the assist for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's winner in the Community Shield and playing a hand in Wayne Rooney's goal against Eddie Howe's side. He also put in solid performances against both the Saints and the Tigers.
Mourinho will be up against Mike Phelan, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, while Valencia will take on Curtis Davies, Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling. It was also announced that Ibrahimovic's effort against Bournemouth was nominated for August's goal of the month.
Best in the world, according to Herrera
Valencia has been a vital part of the United side since his arrival from Wigan back 2009, having moved from the wing to the full-back position over the years. The Ecuadorian has seemingly made the position his own, even with the arrival of Matteo Darmian, and midfielder Ander Herrera believes that Valenica is one of the world's bests.
“I know him and have always liked the way he plays,” the Spaniard told MUTV and firmly stated that: "I think that, right now, he is the best right-back in the world, maybe with Dani Alves, because I like Dani Alves a lot. I think Antonio is one of the best right-backs in the world."
Herrera concluded: “I think he’s going to be very important this season. He has already been very important for the club, he has already been here eight years, but I think I told you at the end of the last season something good is being cooked and everyone wants to be part of that.”
Manchester United will take on Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 10 with kick-off at 12:30pm BST.