Writers' Player of the Year awards.

Rooney had always displayed remarkable promise: now he had proved the hype was more than justified. What's more, in October 2010 he penned a new five-year deal, guaranteeing his long-term United future. And while the striker didn't reach anything near top form until the second half of 2010/11, his contribution to the Reds' record-breaking 19th league title was undeniable. When it mattered most, Rooney was there to bang in the goals and drive United towards glory. He dragged Sir Alex's men back from 2-0 down to net a hat-trick in United's 4-2 win at West Ham, was instrumental in the win against Chelsea

at Old Trafford and kept his nerve to slot home the penalty at Ewood Park that ultimately clinched the title.

United’s number ten continued his role as talisman into the 2011/12 season, forming a formidable partnership with loan-returnee Danny Welbeck. Some would say that he fired United through the season in a similar vein to that of 2009/10, always producing goals at key moments.

Wayne notched up 34 of them, which took him ahead of United legend George Best in the table of most prolific United goalscorers, his tally at the time of writing stands at an impressive 181 with only Jack Rowley, Denis Law and