David Moyes praises leadership qualities of Wayne Rooney

Sky Sports report that Manchester United manager David Moyes has hailed the leadership qualities of Wayne Rooney.

Rooney, 28, has had to take the creative and goal-scoring reins at United this season due to Robin van Persie missing most matches with injury.

Moyes has been impressed by Rooney’s attitude this season and believes he is showing more maturity on his way to becoming a true United great as heads into his 10th year at the club.

“Do you know what I see more than anything in Wayne? I see leadership,” said Moyes. “I see somebody who wants to take responsibility for the team. I see somebody who cares for how he plays and how the team plays. More than anything, that is what I see from Wayne.

“Maybe if he is not quite at the top of his form I will need him to drop in at times and he has no problem doing any of the jobs. He is getting to an age now where he realises he is not a boy any more. He is one of the senior men in the team. He is actually on the verge of being one of the great legends at this club.

“Because of that I think he is saying, ‘I have got to take responsibility for results and for performances and make sure the players are doing it on the pitch.’ The players are responding.”

Rooney has scored eight goals in the Premier League this season, making him United’s top goal-scorer.