2008: Awesome

By Chris,
April 18 2009

Manchester United have been shortlisted for the coveted Laureus World Team of the Year award following a ballot from notable members of the world's media. The Reds have been nominated alongside the Boston Celtics, the Chinese Olympic team, the British Olympic Cycle team, the Jamaican Olympic sprint team and the Spanish football side. Cristiano Ronaldo is also in contention for an award.

Receiving a nomination alongside such high-achieving outfits from the world of sport is testimony to the tremendous year that Sir Alex Ferguson's men have enjoyed.

United secured a seventeenth league championship and a third European Cup in May before becoming the first British team to win the Club World Cup in December.

The Red Devils have had success in the 'Team of the Year' category before - winning the award in 2000 for their Treble-winning success of '99.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has been shortlisted for the 'Sportsman of the Year' crown. Olympic heroes Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps are also in contention; as are Lewis Hamilton, Rafael Nadal and MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi

The shortlist was put together after journalists from 112 countries voted for six nominees for each award. A secret ballot will now be held by forty-six iconic sports stars with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, John McEnroe and Nadia Comaneci all set to vote.

Due to the economic crisis, Laureus have opted not to host an award's gala this year. Winners will instead be handed their gongs individually in May and June.