Manchester United hitman Wayne Rooney has been named the Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) on Monday. The English international, who's expected to remain sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, was handed the award during a celebration in London. Rooney was favorite to scoop the personal accolade after netting 26 goals in 30 Premier League games. he was voted for the prize by his playing colleagues. "It's a great feeling to win the Player of the Year award because it's voted for by the players," said Rooney. "It's something I'm really proud of and it's a great honour. "I remember coming here in 2005 and 2006 to win the Young Player of the Year. "I saw the players winning the main one and it's something I've aimed for since." Rooney, the first Englishman to win the award in four years, highlighted United manager Alex Ferguson's influence on him. "Sir Alex is a great manager who has really brought me on as a player since I joined United," he added. "His hunger passes through to the players. It's great to see that he's pushing 70 and hasn't changed a bit. "I'm sure he'll be here for a long time yet." Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard won the same award on 2006. Rooney's highlights in 2010
