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Manchester United’s newest star Marcus Rashford deservedly stole the headlines when he scored the winner in the Manchester derby.

However, another United striker, who also scored multiple goals on his Red Devils debut, had a big influence.

United skipper Wayne Rooney’s pre-match speech helped Louis van Gaal’s side take all three points from the Etihad Stadium to bring themselves within a point of their cross-city rivals in fourth. Rooney’s performances for club and country have been slated for years but his influence on the team on Sunday, without even playing, shows that the decision to give him the armband for United and England was the right one.

There is no doubt that Rooney hasn’t always performed on the big stage, especially after he burst onto the scene, much like the 18-year-old who scored the winner on Sunday, with so much potential.

Rooney wasn’t having the best of seasons before he got injured despite his brief spark of form and goalscoring run in January.

Many would argue that Rooney has been below par for the past few seasons but it’s what the forward provides off the pitch that makes him so valuable.

After all, the best players don't always make the best captains.

Rooney’s experience and sheer passion could be vital for both United and England this year as the Reds battle for a top four place and England head for the Euros.

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The 30-year-old has found himself surrounded by youngsters for club and country and Sunday’s events show he can still have a massively positive impact on the team.

Rooney will lead an inexperienced but exciting England team in France this summer but there is every chance that his younger team-mates could be the ones grabbing the headlines, like at United in recent times.

If Sunday’s events are to be the start of United’s push for the top four then it isn’t just the likes of Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard that should be getting the plaudits.