Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes was compared to legendary striker Wayne Rooney by former United forward Robin Van Persie.

Fernandes played most of the two legs against Barcelona in the Europa League on the right-wing, rather than his usual no.10 position.

With United progressing to the last 16, Van Persie admitted that Fernandes sacrificing his role for the team was worthwhile.

"It shows as well that Fernandes plays on the wing and great players do that for the team," Van Persie told BT Sport after the game.

"Rooney did it as well in his time, many times, on the wing.

"It's like when you are a great player you are a team player. When the team needs you on the wing, then he does that. He is showing he wants to win, for the team, for everyone.

"And even as a winger he is still doing well, but I do agree with Owen [Hargreaves] that in the center of the pitch he is by far the best."