Striker, author of 34 goals this season for United in the election exceeded the other three nominees, Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas and strikers Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez.

He has become the first Englishman to win since Steven Gerrard won in 2006. "It's a great feeling, because it's an award voted by players and is something I'm very proud of, it is a great honor. I remember when I won the best young player in 2005 and 2006 and this is something I wanted since "he said.

Rooney also was nominated for the award for 'Young Player of the Year', but this was for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner, while Lucas Radebe, at 41, won the 'Award of Merit for his work for the community.

Moreover, it was part of Cesc Best XI of the season, which also featured his partner Thomas Vermaelen and two players of Aston Villa, Milner and Dunne, as many of Chelsea, Manchester and four of the Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart .

Thus, the team best team would form Hart (Birmingham), Ivanovic (Chelsea), Vermaelen (Arsenal), Dunne (Aston Villa), Evra (Manchester United), Cesc (Arsenal), Milner (Aston Villa), Fletcher, Valencia, Rooney (United) and Drogba (Chelsea).