Sir Alex Ferguson has capped a tremendous year in 2003 by collecting the Barclaycard Manager of the Month award for December.
The United boss saw his side storm to the top of the Barclaycard Premiership table with five straight victories in the final month of the year, with player of the month Paul Scholes making an impressive contribution after returning from an injury lay-off.
The defending champions went into December trailing title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, but with wins over Aston Villa, local rivals Manchester City, Tottenham, Everton and Middlesbrough, they returned to the top of the tree and ensured it was a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year at Old Trafford.
The two award-winners picked up their presents after being chosen by Barclaycard's Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football’s governing bodies, the media and fans.
Barclaycard Sponsorship Director Nic Gault of the Barclaycard Awards Panel said: "Manchester United have made a habit of ending seasons strongly and their current form suggests they have started early. After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson has taken his side on a five match unbeaten run that has sent out a clear message to the other title contenders: 'we're not going to give the title up easily.'
"After an injury lay-off, Paul Scholes has quickly regained the type of form that has made him such an important player for United and England. Although it's only January, he must be an early contender for Player of the Year."
Incredibly – although perhaps not so surprisingly considering his team's success in recent years - this is the fourteenth time that Ferguson has won the managers' accolade during his United career. Scholes meanwhile, who scored twice in the 3-1 derby win over Manchester City last month and has already bagged three goals since the turn of the year, has only received the players' award once before.
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