Phil Jones has highlighted the significance of Manchester United keeping hold of Wayne Rooney.
The England international striker was the subject of two bids from Chelsea this summer, but United turned down both offers, with manager David Moyes adamant that he would not be sold at any price.
Ironically, he made his first start of the season for the Premier League champions against the Blues last month and impressed teammate Jones in the process.
"I thought he was excellent. He was a great leader on the pitch. Wayne is a massive player for Manchester United and always will be. He's such a talented lad," the Daily Star quotes the defender as saying.
A recent collision between Jones and Rooney in training has left the latter on the sidelines with a head injury.