By Lewis Rutledge


Wayne Rooney has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the
second season in succession.

The Manchester United striker, still only 20, has had a terrific
season, dazzling everyone with his huge repertoire of skills.

He has combined some eye-catching displays with a clinical cutting
edge, netting 16 times in The Premiership alone, as well as weighing
in with numerous assists.

Rooney has inspired Manchester United's late charge up the table,
with the recent display against Arsenal one of his highlights, but
has been the model of consistency throughout their campaign.

He has also starred for England, and has been tipped to take this
summer's World Cup by storm.

The former Everton star was a hot favourite to land the gong, voted
for by fellow professionals, but 18-year-old midfielder Cesc Fabregas
also had his admirers after impressing for Arsenal, especially during
their incredible run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The other nominees were Rooney's Manchester United team-mate
Cristiano Ronaldo, Charlton's Darren Bent, Aaron Lennon of Tottenham
and Anton Ferdinand of West Ham, and the England star revealed his
delight at retaining the prize.

"To win it twice on the run is a great honour and I am delighted with
the award," said Rooney.

"As a team, we have done a bit better than last year, so it is an
improvement.

"Hopefully we can continue that and I will be sitting here again next
season."

Rooney also revealed that he had plumped for Spanish midfielder
Fabregas, as well as his Arsenal colleague Thierry Henry in the
senior award.

"I voted for Fabregas, but it was close between him and Darren Bent,
who has been brilliant with all the goals he has scored for
Charlton," Rooney added.

"But Fabregas has done really well for Arsenal - especially in the
Champions League.

"I also voted for Thierry Henry, for the goals he has scored and the
overall performance - the main thing is that he was doing it all in
the Champions League as well."