Saturday 22 April 2017 14:35, UK
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has backed "top-class" Wayne Rooney to help fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United following his season-ending injury.
Ibrahimovic injured his knee during the second leg of United's Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht on Thursday night and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Rooney has featured just twice for United over the past two-and-a-half months due to a series of injuries - the latest being an ankle problem - but he returned to the match-day squad against Anderlecht.
With Ibrahimovic out, most expect the goal-scoring burden to fall squarely on the shoulders of 19-year-old Marcus Rashford but Dyche will be wary of Rooney when United visit Turf Moor this weekend.
"They're not short of options, without a shadow of a doubt," Dyche said, ahead of Sunday's game which is live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
"The one everyone thinks is not that good anymore, I think he's decent - the boy Rooney, I always think he ain't bad. I certainly think if they chose to play him, I don't think he would let anyone down.
"You get to an age where you're questioned regardless of performances. He's a top-class player; you can't achieve what he's achieved in the game and not be a top-class player. You can't cheat the system.
"Whatever his journey forward is he will remain a top-class player in my eyes."
United are currently riding a 22-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League that dates back to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Burnley in October.
On the day Jose Mourinho's men found Clarets goalkeeper Tom Heaton in imperious form as they failed to score despite taking 38 shots and Dyche knows his side will have to play well again to take something from Sunday's clash.
"On that day I think they were the best side we've played this season," Dyche admitted.
"We had to give every bit of air in our lungs to try and get something, and Tom made saves and the defensive unit just stuck to the task.
"I thought they were excellent on the day. I know they've had a few days like that at home where they've had so many chances to get the game done and they've haven't quite done it.
"On our day it was because of our goalkeeper, I thought he was outstanding.
"They're a fine side, in my opinion. There's a bit of noise about them being up and down but I still think they're a really good side with a top-class manager."
