Valencia and Mourinho nominated for Premier League awards

Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia and manager José Mourinho have both been nominated for Premier League awards in the month of August.

Valencia has been nominated alongside Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Hull City captain Curtis Davies for the EA Sports Player of the Month.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has been named in a four-man shortlist with Chelsea’s Antonio Conte, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Hull City caretaker manager Mike Phelan for the Barclays Manager of the Month.

United currently sit third in the Premier League, level on points with leaders Manchester City but behind on goal difference.

Mourinho’s overseeing of the Reds’ solid start has earned him this nomination, with United going undefeated after beating Bournemouth, Southampton and Hull to start the season, only conceding one goal in the process and becoming the first United manager to win his first three league games in charge since Sir Matt Busby in 1946.

Meanwhile, Valencia has been one of United’s standout performers so far, with his energy and work rate down the right-hand side propelling United’s play. Only one player has provided more successful crosses than the Ecuadorian’s five and no defender has received more passes in the final third than the 31-year-old.

Both awards are decided by the views of a selected panel and a vote on Twitter, which closes at 23.59 BST on 5 September.