After victory at Arsenal, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson attended a Football Writers' Association tribute evening to honour Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.
The pair, two of United's most decorated players, became the first dual recipients of the glamorous award given by the FWA.
Ferguson said of the pair: "They are phenomenal professionals who were dedicated to their jobs and that is why they lasted so long.
Despite both players enjoying long and successful careers with United, off the field Ferguson revealed they could not be more different.
"I think that Gary is a very forthright guy and speaks the truth and is prepared to say it and he has always been that way," he said.
"I think you see him on television now and he is fantastic because he is forthright and there are no side issues. There is no grey area with Gary, it is very black and white, whereas Paul doesn't say much but when he says something it is worth listening to.""For Manchester United to bring through two local boys who then spend 18 or 19 years with you is fantastic."