Gary Neville has described Wayne Rooney as a 'street footballer' who simply wants to be involved.

The former Manchester United defender was appraising Louis van Gaal's side's performance in the 4-2 derby win over Manchester City when he labelled captain Rooney.

Neville said the England skipper has adapted well to life under van Gaal and suggests the Dutchman would be delighted with the work his star forward does apart from just scoring goals.

"Having played with Wayne Rooney for 10 years, having worked with him for England for three or four years, I can say he is a street football player who can chase the ball, wants to be involved and wants to be everywhere on the pitch," Neville said on Sky Sports' 'Monday Night Football'.

"But I think Louis van Gaal must have him on a lead in training, and says to him: 'That's not your position, that's not what you're there to do'.

"You used to see him charging down channels, dropping into midfield, if he hasn't had the ball for five minutes you used to see him drop to get it because that's the type of player he is," Neville continued.

"I talk about this philosophy and the attacking discipline of Manchester United, and you can tell the story through Wayne Rooney. That is a big achievement by Louis van Gaal.

"To get that player to play like that is a fantastic achievement."