Rooney was confirmed as a double winner by the Football Writers' Association this morning.

He succeeded fellow Merseysider Steven Gerrard and emulated former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who collected the prize in the two seasons before that.

With 34 goals to his name, Rooney, who could return after a groin injury in time to face Sunderland for Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, was an obvious candidate.

And Ferguson confirmed it was a justified award after a stellar contribution to his side's push for honours.

"We expected that," he said. "It was a foregone conclusion.

"I thought he would win both awards and deservedly so because he has elevated himself to a tremendous level now.

"He has brought maturity and authority to his game.

"It usually starts to show itself when young players move into their mid-20s and that is the case with Wayne now.

"Unfortunately the boy has had a couple of injuries recently but the season as a whole has been terrific."