Rooney gives us lift - Brown
Wes Brown believes Wayne Rooney's presence is enough to give Manchester United a lift such is the aura that has been built up around the England striker.
Rooney took his goal tally for the season to 23 against Portsmouth, equalling his personal best and now he aims to break new ground at Aston Villa on Wednesday night, and exert more pressure on Barclays Premier League title rivals Chelsea.
"It gives you so much of a boost knowing he can always make something happen," said Brown. "It definitely helps when you are playing in a game."
Former England skipper Alan Shearer is not on his own in believing Rooney has carried United for much of the current campaign.
Brown does not agree with that statement, but he does acknowledge having Rooney alongside him brings an extra air of confidence.
He added: "Wayne is playing fantastically well at the moment. He is a pleasure to watch, not just for the fans but for the other players around him.
"We don't rely on him but he is a big influence for us. He is expected to do a lot and what he does has been magnificent."
