Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes that Marouane Fellaini's impact at Old Trafford this season is down to manager Louis van Gaal.

The Belgian international was roundly mocked for a poor debut season with the Red Devils following David Moyes's £27m purchase from Everton.

However, under Van Gaal, the midfielder has become a key figure within the team and was a major influence in United's 4-2 win over local rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

"He is being used in the right way by the manager, and he is repaying the manager with goals and good performances," The Express quotes Rooney as saying.

"We like to play out from the back but if teams are pressing us then we have him as an option. He is big, strong and difficult for defenders to mark. He is probably the best in world football at bringing the ball down and getting us out of that pressure and further up the pitch.

"Last year was awful for him but he kept his head down, worked hard and came through that tough period."

United are currently third in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Chelsea.