Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is surprised by the criticism of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Vila are at United tonight.

"I don't know," Lambert said of Rooney. "I think Sir Alex (Ferguson) would know better than anyone else.

"Looking out of sorts? Oh yes, so he does! The guy's a top player, been top player for long time, he may not be hitting the heights of his own high standards but he's still a fantastic player."