Heinze, who took a third of the votes by 17,000 United fans, is the first defender and first non-European player to win the trophy named after the late United manager Matt Busby.

The 27-year-old, who helped Argentina to the Confederations Cup final against Brazil in Germany last month, beat young strikers Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, United said on their official website.

The accolade comes after his first season following a 6.9 million pound ($12 million) transfer from Paris St Germain 12 months ago.