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Nani backs 'special' Wayne Rooney to return to Manchester United best

Nani and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford on February 1, 2011 in Manchester, England.
Image: Nani (left) and has backed Wayne Rooney to rediscover his best form

Former Manchester United winger Nani has backed Wayne Rooney to rediscover his best form, saying the 30-year-old is still a 'big part' of the club.

Rooney's place in the team has come under increasing scrutiny this season, with some supporters calling for him to be dropped by boss Jose Mourinho.

The England captain again failed to impress in Manchester United's 3-1 EFL Cup victory over Northampton in midweek, despite starting up front.

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Nani, who spent eight seasons at Old Trafford from 2007-2015, believes Rooney can get back to his best.

"Rooney is a special player. Strong, fantastic quality, shooting, vision - very intelligent," he told Omnisport. "I enjoyed playing with him. He is a player who is a big part of Man Utd. He has the chance to improve that and build his story.

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"If he continues to play at a high level he can become the best there."

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Rooney is not the only United player to have struggled for form in recent weeks with Paul Pogba, who became the world's most expensive player when he returned to Old Trafford from Juventus, also failing to impress.

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Watch highlights of Manchester United's 3-1 win away to Northampton in the third round of the EFL Cup

Nani says he was a "bit surprised" that Pogba returned, but added: "A lot of clubs wanted him, there were rumours that other clubs would get him.

"When he went back I was happy. He knows the club well and will be a star at the club."

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