Fabian Delph says the influence of skipper Stiliyan Petrov is crucial at Aston Villa.

The Bulgaria international was forced off early into their 1-1 draw with Manchester United after a poor challenge from Nani.

Delph told Villa's website: "Stiliyan is amazing. I have learned so much from him.

"He is a great captain. He came up to me and he was talking to me constantly. He is a warrior and he didn't want to come off.

"It was a horrible challenge and after a while it ground him down a bit. He is brilliant. He is the skipper and he does the job better than anyone."