29/10/2012 14:23 - ManUtd.com, Adam Marshall
Duo on Ballon d'Or shortlist
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are on the shortlist of 23 players nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.
The contenders for FIFA's World Footballer of the Year award were announced on Monday with 11 of the names different from the 2011 list.
Rooney is rewarded for another impressive year at Old Trafford while van Persie's explosive final months at Arsenal contribute to his recognition. Former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are expected to battle it out for the award with the Barcelona superstar striving to win it for the fourth consecutive year.
Sir Alex Ferguson is one of 10 managers up for the Coach of the Year prize - alongside fellow Barclays Premier League bosses Roberto Mancini and Roberto Di Matteo.
Ballon d'Or nominees: Sergio Aguero (Man City), Mario Balotelli (Man City), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, now Shanghai Shenhua), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan/PSG), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Santos), Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid),
Wayne Rooney (Man United), Yaya Toure (Man City),
Robin van Persie (Arsenal/Man United), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona).
Ballon d'Or Coach nominees: Vicente del Bosque (Spain), Roberto Di Matteo (Chelsea),
Sir Alex Ferguson (Man United), Pep Guardiola (ex-Barcelona), Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund), Joachim Low (Germany), Roberto Mancini (Man City), Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid), Cesare Prandelli (Italy).