MAN UTD'S GROUNDS TEAM WIN PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United’s Old Trafford grounds manager Tony Sinclair and his colleagues have won the Premier League’s Grounds Team of the Season award for 2020/21.

This season's Premier League runners up last won the grounds team accolade in 2019.The award is judged by referees and matches delegates awarding marks throughout the season based on factors including the usage of the pitch and the environmental conditions.

In a statement on Man Utd's official website Tony Sinclair thanked his dedicated staff for their teamwork and round the clock dedication. “I'm made up," he is quoted. "We are so, so proud and honoured to win this prestigious award, when the level of football pitches is so high. The key point I want to get across is that we have got the most incredibly gifted, passionate team, who all have a will to have the best pitches for this club.

“Not only in the stadium, but also at the training grounds, Littleton Road, the Cliff, the Aon Training Complex. I couldn't do it without the incredible team we have. To win the award is no mean feat. This is our fourth one in six years, so we're immensely proud.”

Collette Roche, United's chief operating officer, added, “Manchester United is incredibly proud to receive this prestigious Premier League award for the second time in only three years. Tony and his team not only maintain the award-winning Old Trafford playing surface, they ensure that surfaces at the Aon Training Complex, Littleton Road and The Cliff are in immaculate condition.

“This award is recognition of the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make the Old Trafford pitch pristine throughout the season.”