Cristiano Ronaldo was Manchester United's most recent Ballon d'Or winner back in 2008, following in the footsteps of Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best.
No one was expecting any of Erik ten Hag's current vintage to add to that number this time around after a tough season at home and abroad.
However, United did conclude the 2023/24 season with a stirring 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, with a couple of their younger stars hinting at better days ahead.
Below, we run through the United players shortlisted for the awards on offer at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony after France Football's nominations announcement on Wednesday.
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Which Manchester United players were nominated for the Ballon d'Or 2024?
No Manchester United players featured on the 30-player Ballon d'Or shortlist, with Bruno Fernandes far from the only elite star to miss the cut as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah were all denied nominations.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo got the goals as the Red Devils downed City at Wembley in May and both are on the 10-player shortlist for the Kopa Trophy —an award that recognises the best male player aged under 21 in the world.
The nominations are recognition of Garnacho and Mainoo's excellent breakthrough seasons last year, although Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal is the heavy favourite to scoop the prize.
When is 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony?
The 2024 Ballon d'Or gala is due to be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET).