David Moyes: 'Wayne Rooney a leader'

Manchester United boss David Moyes has hailed the leadership qualities of Wayne Rooney after the striker's impressive performance against West Ham United on Saturday.

Rooney was in commanding form in United's 3-1 home victory, having helped to set up Danny Welbeck's opener.

"Wayne played great. He dropped in and he took the ball. He passed the ball from a little bit deeper at times but also made a contribution in the goals. It was very good," said Moyes, according to The Mirror.

"Do you know what I see more than anything in Wayne? I see leadership. 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."

United are now eighth in the Premier League table, having suffered a relatively poor start to the season.