Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs says Wayne Rooney is already among the greatest players he's played with.

Giggs and Rooney combined to send Sir Alex Ferguson's team to the Carling Cup Final last week and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year explained how the pair have developed a special relationship.

Giggs, 36, told Esquire: "I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded with good players throughout my career.

"In my younger days when I was quicker, if Eric got the ball I'd make a run. If Scholesy got the ball, I'd make a run. If Becks got the ball, I'd make a run. I knew they could deliver a pass. Now, it's the other way around because I deliver to the other players.

"If Wayne makes a run, I know where he is going more often than not because he's such an intelligent player. He shows me where to put the ball, rather than the other way round.

"He's got unbelievable physical attributes. He's strong, he's quick but he's also a very clever footballer."