Ander Herrera has insisted that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney adds a lot more than just goals to the side.

The Manchester United skipper has been criticised for his form and performances this season and even Louis van Gaal came in for criticism from some quarters for failing to drop his underperforming striker.




Rooney silenced his doubters last night when his 79th minute header against CSKA Moscow earned his side a crucial three points and made their passage to the Champions League round of 16 clearer.

Herrera admits that the whole team are pleased for Rooney, but stressed that the striker provides a lot more than just goals to the current Manchester United side.
 


The Spaniard insisted that their skipper’s hard work and fighting qualities are an example for his team-mates and his goal was a morale booster for the whole squad.

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The midfielder told the club’s official website: "Of course there was relief, but Wayne is one of our most important players.

“He’s our leader, our captain, and we’re happy when he scores. When he doesn’t score, he fights for the team and that helps a lot as well.

"He’s very important, and I think he has a very strong mind.

"When he doesn’t score, he keeps fighting in the same way, and that’s important for us. I always say the same: he’s one of the best players in the world, one of the stars, and he’s not selfish.

"For us, it’s very important when he feels good. When he scores, of course it’s better for everyone, but if not he still fights.”

Herrera still believes that Rooney is one of the best in the world at what he does and admits that it is difficult for someone from the outside to gauge the influence of the Manchester United captain on the squad.

"I can only say what I see, and what I see is that he gives everything. We say the same thing every day: he does a lot of things for the club and the team.

“Of course he’s one of the best in the world, his trajectory is unbelievable.

"The way he fights, the way he trains and the way he gives his opinion to the other players. Maybe those on the outside only see what’s on the pitch, but he’s also very important off it."

Rooney will be hoping to carry his form into the Premier League when West Brom pay a visit to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.