Louis Saha is happy seeing former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney proving his mettle as manager of Derby County.

Rooney has had an incredibly difficult start to his managerial career amid Derby's financial woes, but has maintained his cool among the whole sorry saga.

The 36-year-old is battling to achieve the near-impossible and keep Derby in the Championship, despite a 21-point deduction after going into administration and for historical financial breaches under former owner Mel Morris.

"It's a hard job for him at Derby but he's a tough cookie," Saha told The Mirror. "I don't know him as a manager but what I see in terms of his engagement, he's class.

"I've seen some interviews and some really passionate body language on the touchline. And he's got a lot of empathy, which is really important.

"This allows you to really see the weakness and strength of a player and then you're able to decide how to help.

"If you don't have empathy and you just ask someone to do what you require, you don't move forward.

"That was the main quality of Sir Alex Ferguson, so for that and so many aspects I think Wayne will do great. I think he's up for great things as a manager.

"No disrespect to Derby but I think when he gets another opportunity with a so-called bigger club, I think he will show great quality because he's very smart and dedicated."