Wayne Rooney backs "brilliant" Danny Welbeck

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney believes that fellow striker Danny Welbeck has been the Red Devils' best player of the season.

The 21-year-old has forced his way into the English champions' starting XI this year, netting ten goals so far under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"There are a few candidates [for player of the season] but I'd have to say Welbeck," Rooney told the club's official magazine Inside United.

"To play so many games for United in his first full season has been brilliant. There has been a lot of pressure on him but he's done really well and scored some important goals for us.

"He got an opportunity from the start of the season and he came in and played very well and scored a few goals. He's an exciting player and credit to him for the way he's performed – he's played in a lot of matches this season."

Welbeck is in contention to clinch a spot in the England national team for this summer's European Championships.