By Chris O'Brien
April 28 2006

Wayne Rooney has been awarded with the PFA Young Player of the Season accolade after a sparkling campaign for Manchester United. However, the 20-year-old was beaten to the senior award by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Wayne Rooney has picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award for a second consecutive season.

Rooney beat off competition from United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, with Darren Bent, Cesc Fabregas, Aaron Lennon and Anton Ferdinand all also up for the award.

The England international has enjoyed another brilliant season at Old Trafford, netting 19 times and helping the Red Devils to success in the League Cup. The 20-year-old is tipped to set Germany on fire during the forthcoming World Cup as he leads England's attacking threat and was delighted to be recognised, once again, by the Professional Footballers' Association.

"To win it twice on the run is a great honour and I am delighted with the award." said Rooney. "I voted for Fabregas, but it was close between him and Bent."

The former Everton striker had also been nominated for the senior award but Steven Gerrard picked up the major accolade of the evening. The 25-year-old Liverpool skipper capped off an impressive season with the trophy which he will add to his ‘Young Player’ award from 2001.

John Terry, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Joe Cole had all been in contention for the prestigious crown and voting was described as “extremely close” by officials.

Meanwhile, both Rooney and Ronaldo were named amongst the Premiership ‘Team of the Year’. Chelsea dominated the ‘dream XI’ with four inclusions, whilst Newcastle’s Shay Given and Wigan’s Pascal Chimbonda were notable inclusions.

Premiership Team of the Year:
Shay Given (Newcastle), Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan), John Terry (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), William Gallas (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

 

Congratulations to Rooney, Ronaldo and all those awarded and nominated.