Liverpool legend Alan Hansen says Wayne Rooney's ankle injury will make-or-break title hopes for Manchester United and England.

Asked about how important Rooney's fitness is to country and club, former Liverpool defender and Match of the Day pundit Hansen stated: "It is mega."

Speaking at a record £4million payout of the New Football Pools at Everton's Goodison Park, he said: "The way Rooney has played all season, everyone's right when they say he has reached another level.

"He has not just the talent, the ability and the quality but the other attributes that set him apart.

"That's the enthusiasm, the energy and the willingness to win, where he hates getting beaten.

"It is a sign of all the great players that in the final third of the pitch when they are maybe not having such a great night they will give you something extra.

"He demands a lot of himself as well and his colleagues. For Manchester United and England he is key.

"He is key to United in the Premier League and Champions League and key to England doing well in the World Cup."