Former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen has warned Manchester United of Wayne Rooney suffering burnout.

The brilliant centre forward has been at the heart of some imperious United form in recent weeks, but when his performance dipped at Everton on Saturday, his side slumped to disastrous defeat.

"He's had a lot of matches and it has taken its toll. The danger is he's played so many matches at full throttle he could be facing burn out by the end of the season," Hansen told the Mirror.

"I don't think it will happen, but Fabio Capello will be worried because he is so important to England. There were signs against Everton that the season is catching up with him, because he plays at full throttle in every game, with so much passion.

"I think Sir Alex will look at resting him, because United need him at his best, but he seemed out of sorts at Everton."