Tim Sherwood: 'Hopefully Manchester United rest Wayne Rooney'

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood hopes that Manchester United will give Wayne Rooney a rest ahead of their Premier League clash tomorrow afternoon.

Villa head to Old Trafford having won just one of their last 38 league games against United, who are looking to leapfrog rivals Manchester City in the table.

Rooney, who has six goals in his last nine games in all competitions, would be any manager's choice if they could pick one United player, according to Sherwood.

He told reporters: "Wayne always bounces back. People can question what he does, whether he can play in this position or that position, but wherever he plays on the pitch he does his best for the team.

"He's a team player and he's everything that a manager would want. Wherever he plays he will affect the game and we have to give him the respect but hopefully he has a rest day."

Rooney has scored 12 league goals against Villa, his joint-highest tally against any opponent along with Newcastle United.