Awards double for Rooney

Wayne Rooney has completed an awards double after being voted the English Football Writers’ Association (FWA) player of the year.

Rooney, 24, claimed 81 percent of the votes cast to follow up an equally convincing win in the ballot for the Professional Footballer’s Association player of the year award.

FWA chairman Steve Bates said Rooney’s dominance of the voting reflected the huge impact he has had for United in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure for Real Madrid, which has resulted in him being deployed as an out-and-out striker.

“His tally of 34 goals so far this season is certain to have captured the attention of our members, but I am sure the overall improvement in his game at Manchester United has been of equal significance,” said Bates.

“Wayne’s enthusiasm, hunger and desire mark him out as a special player and we hope he can carry his club form onto the international stage in the World Cup this summer to help England achieve their dream.”

Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez were, respectively, second and third in the FWA poll.