Premier League Announce 6-Man Shortlist for June Player of the Month
The Premier League have confirmed that Manchester United and Wolves have two of their stars featuring in the six-man shortlist for June's Player of the Month.
Both sides have enjoyed unbeaten runs since top flight football returned, and their players have been awarded for their success among fellow nominees Allan Saint-Maximin and Danny Ings.
Who is your @EASPORTSFIFA Player of the Month?
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2020
? Coady
? Fernandes
?⚪️ Ings
? Jimenez
? Martial
⚪️⚫️ Saint-Maximin
? Cast your vote ? https://t.co/yUl4oMLIlC#PLAwards pic.twitter.com/21mmK17bgg
In the case of United, a 1-1 draw with Tottenham kicked off their resumption of the Premier League, followed by comprehensive victories over Sheffield United and Brighton.
Key to that seven-point haul has been their January acquisition Bruno Fernandes, who has netted three goals in that period and provided a much-needed spark to the Red Devils in their quest for Champions League qualification.
He is not, however, the only player to earn recognition, as Anthony Martial also gets a nomination. He too has netted three goals, although all of his came in the same match as he recorded his first hat-trick with a superb display against the Blades.
2013 - Anthony Martial is the first Manchester United player to score a @premierleague hat-trick since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013; since the 2013-14 season, 21 different clubs have seen a player score a hat-trick in the competition before Martial's today. Hiatus. pic.twitter.com/NyNFaPuU8H
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 24, 2020
In the case of Wolves, it's been a perfect start to life back in the top flight, with maximum points taken from their three games with not a single goal conceded. Conor Coady has had a big say in that with some commanding displays in defence, as has Raul Jimenez with two goals, including the solitary strike in the club's victory over Bournemouth.
Joining the above four are Newcastle's Allan Saint-Maximin and the Saints' Danny Ings, who have been part of a good spell of results for both clubs.
Winning two of their three matches since the restart, Ings' three goals and one assist have helped lift Southampton up to 14th in the table, 13 points clear of the bottom three. On a personal level, he's now up to 18 Premier League goals for the season.
The standout player for the Magpies this season has been French forward Saint Maximin, who somehow looks even fresher than before lockdown took place. That's been clear in his displays, as well as his statistics. With a goal against Sheffield United and a trio of assists in the recent win over Bournemouth, it's little wonder he's among the nominees.
For more from Ross Kennerley, follow him on Twitter!
