Tottenham Hotspurs manager Andre Villas-Boas has claimed Wayne Rooney is still Manchester United's most valuable player despite Robin Van Persie's instant impact at Old Trafford following his arrival from Arsenal at the start of the season.
Van Persie's 21 goals in 22 starts has put Rooney in the shade at Old Trafford, but with the leaders visiting White Hart Lane on Sunday, Villas-Boas reckons the England star is still the player who really pulls the strings for United.
Rooney scored in midweek against West Ham United on his return from injury, the Daily Star reports.
When asked why he felt the former Everton striker remains the main man at United, Villas-Boas said it is because of his movements, adding that Rooney always sacrifices himself for the team.
Villas-Boas added Rooney's team spirit and desire to win along with focus is exemplary and the major reasons why he is still the most important player at United.
The former Chelsea boss further said Rooney has overcome some difficult moments in his career, but he's a top quality footballer.
Villas-Boas also rued the fact that whenever Spurs faces United, Rooney somehow manages to find his best form and troubles them, referring to the second half of their 3-2 win at Old Trafford in Premier League last year.
The Portuguese said Spurs had a fantastic first half in that game against United, but Rooney came on in the second and made a difference and created lots of problems for them.
Villas-Boas said Rooney is the player which makes United tick along, added he along with Van Persie are the deadliest striking partnership in the world right now.
Rooney scored just three goals in his fi rst 14 appearances for United this season, but hit goal-scoring form at the beginning of December and has six goals in his last six games. (ANI)
