Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was on Sunday named the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

The 22-year-old Portugal winger is the first player to win both awards in the same season since Andy Gray in 1977.

Ronaldo has been in incredible form for United who remain on course for a Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was second and Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes third in the senior award.

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs, last year's winner Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and the 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas also made ths shortlist.

Ronaldo, who has scored 16 Premiership goals so far this season, said it was a big honor to be singled out by his peers.

"It is a special night. It is amazing and a big honor for me to win trophies like this in the English Premier League. I am very proud.

"My colleagues have voted for me and that is fantastic because the players know the qualities of players.

"I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation.

"At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.

"Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it. I am still young and I am learning more every day."

Fabregas finished runner-up in the young player category as well, with 20-year-old Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon third.

Ronaldo's teammate Wayne Rooney was also shortlisted, as were Reading striker Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City.

Manchester United took centre stage with eight of their players making it into the Premier League team of the year and manager Sir Alex Ferguson being honoured with the PFA Special Merit Award.

Ferguson paid tribute to Ronaldo, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in August 2003 on a 12.2 million pound deal.

"At this moment in time, I think he is the best player in the world and his season has been incredible," he said.

(China Daily via AFP April 24, 2007)