Paul Pogba named Europa League Player of the Year

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Paul Pogba has won the first ever Europa League Player of the Season award
He beat team-mates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the gong
Pogba scored United's opening goal in their 2-0 victory in the final over Ajax
Seven United players were named in the Europa League Squad of the Season

Published: 11:38 EDT, 25 August 2017 | Updated: 12:08 EDT, 25 August 2017

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Paul Pogba has been named the Europa League Player of the Season for his performances in Manchester United's victorious 2016-17 campaign.

Pogba claimed the award ahead of his United team-mates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who were also nominated for the gong.

The midfielder posted a photo of himself clutching the trophy with the caption: 'Very honoured for the Europa League Player of the Season 2016-17. Big thanks to all'.

Paul Pogba said he was honoured to receive the award for his performances in 2016-17

A video was played at the Europa League group stage draw showing Pogba receiving the gong

UEFA announced Pogba had received the individual award in a video which played at Friday's 2017-18 Europa League group stage draw in Monaco.

Pogba made 15 appearances in last season's Europa League and scored three goals, including the opener in United's 2-0 victory over Ajax in the final.

United's victorious stars dominated the Europa League Squad of the Season - with Pogba, Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan joining team-mates Sergio Romero, Antonio Valencia, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera in the 18-man selection.

Pogba celebrates at the final whistle after United beat Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League final

This is the first time UEFA have dished out a Europa League Player of the Year award.

Pogba was voted as Player of the Season by a panel composed of the managers of the 48 clubs involved in last season's competition and 55 journalists.

United's victory in the final saw them qualify for this season's Champions League despite struggling to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho's men have been handed a relatively favourable draw in Europe's elite competition with Basle, Benfica and CSKA Moscow their group stage opponents.