Manchester United legend Lou Macari says Wayne Rooney remains crucial to the club's title prospects.
Macari backs Sir Alex Ferguson's stance as Mexican Javier Hernandez emerges as a challenger for a regular spot but insists Rooney is still a key man.
Macari: "Wayne is going to have to work to get back into the team because the manager is not going to throw him straight in on reputation alone.
"Wayne has got to get back to full fitness, show his sharpness and hunger and wait for his opportunity, especially as it looks as though he is going to be out for four or five weeks because of his injury.
"But there's no doubt he will be vital to United's chances of competing for the Premier League and the Champions League.
"Wayne's strength is scoring goals, as he demonstrated last season. If he can get back to a fraction of the form he could make all the difference."
Macari senses Rooney will have to go on a charm offensive to win over his club and their fans.
He said: "United have shown how much they want him by giving him his new contract, but no player is bigger than the club and I think that will have been made clear to him.
"He will also have to show that hunger and fitness and form to convince the fans. He has a lot to prove to them."
