Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the influence of Wayne Rooney ahead of Saturday's clash against Everton.
Ferguson backing Rooney to lead United to silverware
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the influence of in-form striker Wayne Rooney and believes his consistency has put Manchester United in an ideal position to retain their Premier League crown.
United travel to Everton on Saturday with a chance to go top of the league, and few would bet against the former Toffees striker finding the net against his old club.
Rooney has notched 13 goals in 14 matches since failing to score against Everton at Old Trafford in November, and Ferguson believes his exceptional form has put him in the same superstar bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kaka.
"Over the last month or so his game has just taken off," said Ferguson.
"Confidence has something to do with it of course but he has been in absolutely incredible form over the last few weeks.
"Before, we said that his goalscoring tended to come in bursts. Now he is far more consistent and goalscoring is the area you always want to be judged as a striker.
"It is the area of biggest improvement and with him doing that you have to put him in the same bracket as all the best players. The evidence is there."
Target
Ferguson has set a target of 30 goals for Rooney, which, while a significant figure, seems a conservative aim given the England forward's double against AC Milan on Tuesday took him to 25.
Rooney will certainly be desperate to add to his tally at Goodison Park, where he has never been forgiven for leaving the club so early in his career.
Ferguson added: "He always gets a rough ride there although he is probably used to that now.
"There is a special motivation for Wayne to do well against Everton but we couldn't have him in better form really and it doesn't matter where we are going.
"He has been the main player. Without a doubt he has been the star for the last few weeks.
"He is in such good form we are going there in great confidence."
