It was the second year in succession the 23-year-old Portuguese star had claimed the prestigious award.

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was named Young Player of the Year.

Ronaldo did not attend the PFA’s ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House hotel but was shown on screen accepting the award from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at the club’s Carrington training ground.

Ronaldo and United are currently preparing for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

He said: “I feel very happy. When you work all season to play good, to do something for the team, to do your contribution for the team and then at the end of the season the PFA give you this award, it is a great moment, it is an honour, a pleasure.

“It is a great motivation to carry on like that, to work more and get better.

“I feel very good but it is not just my award, my team-mates have helped me a lot this season.

“They give me good passes to score goals, and I score, but it is a good moment for me.”

The voting was reversed for the young player award with Spain international Fabregas finishing ahead of Ronaldo. Torres, Micah Richards, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young had been the other nominees.

“I’m very proud. It’s a very prestigious trophy,” said Fabregas. “Football is a collective game and you prefer to win trophies with team-mates but it’s always nice to have this type of award.

“I dedicate it to my team-mates because without them I would not have won.”

Chelsea’s push for double glory in the Premier League and Champions League was not recognised in the PFA’s top-flight team of the year, with no Blues players featuring.

United had three representatives in Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic while Fabregas, Adebayor, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy featured for Arsenal.

Liverpool duo Gerrard and Torres were included, as was Portsmouth and England goalkeeper James and Aston Villa midfielder Young.