Rooney only English player on Fifa list

MANCHESTER United striker Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman on the 23-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon D’Or, which was released by Fifa yesterday morning.

Rooney has bounced back from an awful 2010, helping to guide United to their record 19th league title, reach their third Champions League final in four seasons and contribute to a rapid start to this campaign before the shuddering derby defeat to Manchester City.

The only other United player listed for the player of the year award is Nani.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been nominated in the coach of the year category, along with Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Only five players on the shortlist have Premier League connections compared to 15 in Spain, but that includes Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Aguero.

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez has been included and, while Manchester City fans will be delighted at the recognition afforded to Aguero, they may be surprised at David Silva’s omission.

European champions Barcelona have eight nominees, including Lionel Messi, winner for the last two years, with rivals Real Madrid boasting five.