Man Utd midfielder Fletcher: Rooney success down to hard work

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher says Wayne Rooney's success is down to sheer hard work.

The 28-goal frontman has been in outstanding form this term, relishing the responsibility that came with Sir Alex Ferguson responding to Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record departure for Real Madrid by installing him as his number one striker.

Yet, as Fletcher can testify, the astonishing development has not come without a huge amount of hard work which now, by common consent, sees Rooney installed as one of the world's best players.

"People are seeing the rewards of the hard work he has put in on the training ground," said the Scotland skipper. "It has been noted how many headed goals he has been scoring. But that comes from practice.

"He has risen to the challenge of being the goalscorer and his performances have improved.

"Wayne has matured and improved as a player. He has got stronger as the season has gone on and his confidence is growing.

"Really, he does believe he is up there with the best players in the world and his form is showing that."