Ander Herrera insists Wayne Rooney is still one of the world's best

Ander Herrera (front) insists Wayne Rooney is still a great player

Ander Herrera insists Wayne Rooney is still one of the world's best despite his struggle for form and goals this season.

Rooney's 79th-minute header gave United a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday night and moved him up to second alongside Denis Law in the club's all-time scoring charts.

Nevertheless, a return of just two Premier League goals in 10 matches has led to concerns about the consistency of the United and England captain but his Spanish team-mate has no doubts.

Herrera said: "He is one of the best players in the world. I try to not read (what the critics say) too much. I try to create my own opinion and my opinion is clear - Wayne Rooney is one of the best."

"He is one of the stars, but he is not selfish. If he scores of course it is much better for everyone, but if he doesn't score, he fights in the same way.

"The way he trains and the way he gives to the rest of the players his opinion, everything. Maybe the people outside see only in the pitch, but he is also very very important outside for everyone."

Rooney heads in the winner against CSKA Moscow

Rooney headed in Jesse Lingard's superbly weighted first-time pass to defeat the Russians and keep United on course for the knockout stages of the Champions League as they moved top of Group B.

Goalless draws against Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough - who went on to knock United out of the Capital One Cup on penalties - led to some disquiet among some Red Devils' supporters.

While a lack of goals and attacking play is causing consternation among some fans, Herrera pointed out United's excellent defensive record should be admired too.

"That's a positive," he said when asked about United's 11th clean sheet of the season.

"We saw last year that Chelsea didn't score too many goals, but they didn't concede too many either so that is important when you want to do a great season, you have to give away not too many chances."