Why I stayed at 'struggling' Man Utd and didn't think we'd be third now - Fernandes
Rooney won the players' and writers' player of the year awards in 2010. He thinks Fernandes should win them now, and is the perfect example for his team-mates. "It's a huge privilege to be in the conversation," said the Red Devils captain, who is likely to face strong opposition from Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Gabriel.
"You can say as many times as you want that you want to win trophies collectively. That is true. But these individual accolades are always nice on the personal side.
"It is players voting for you. That has a different impact because you have been playing against them. If they recognise you as one of the best in the league, it's a huge privilege.
" It is a sobering thought for everyone attached to United that Fernandes might not have been at Old Trafford this season. At the end of last season, club officials told the 31-year-old they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi Pro-League club Al Hilal. Fernandes has spoken previously about the 'hurt' he felt.
After speaking to his family, he opted to stay, just as Rooney did after saying he wanted to leave in 2010, when all of Europe's leading clubs coveted him. "I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club," said Fernandes. "Obviously the Saudi situation, with the money...