Juan Mata hails "model player" Wayne Rooney following new deal

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has insisted that it is a "privilege" to play alongside Wayne Rooney after the striker penned a new bumper contract at Old Trafford.

The England international committed his future to the Red Devils until June 2019 with a new contract said to be worth £300,000 per week.

In Rooney's first game since putting pen to paper on fresh terms, United secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Mata wrote in his weekly blog: "The game was special for Rooney after his recent renewal, and he was very happy.

"He deserves it - he is a model player in this club and it's a privilege to have him with us now and in the coming years."

United are now sixth in the Premier League table, 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool.