Derby County player-coach Wayne Rooney says Sir Alex Ferguson was the best manager he worked with.

Rams boss Philip Cocu has backed the Manchester United hero to become a manager in the future after his playing days are over.

When asked on qualities he would take from the managers he had, Rooney told The Times: "(Louis) Van Gaal's preparation, Fergie's man-management, (Jose) Mourinho's stubbornness - I think sometimes you need that.

"Sam Allardyce knew what he wanted. You can only manage to the capabilities of your team and that's what Sam has always done. Once I go into it I'm sure I'll have my own way."

While Rooney said tactically Van Gaal was "by far the best", Fergie was "streets ahead of everyone".

"He was incredible. It wasn't complicated. The big thing was he had trust in people. He trusted his coaches to put sessions on, he trusted his players. People always ask how were his team talks - a lot of his team talks were just, 'You 11 are better than them. Go win the game'."