England coach Roy Hodgson is impressed by Wayne Rooney in Manchester United's midfield.

Hodgson liked what he saw from Rooney in a deeper role against Aston Villa.

"I thought Manchester United's first 20 minutes against Aston Villa was as good as any football you're ever going to see in the Premier League," he said.

"I thought Wayne was very influential in the central midfield position and the pass for Robin van Persie was exquisite and the movement of Van Persie, and the ability to receive a ball coming over his shoulder and volley into the net is a very special skill. We know he's got it and he showed it at a crucial moment."