Wayne Rooney is a Man United idol, says Juan Mata

Juan Mata has heaped praise on Wayne Rooney after the striker’s goal helped Manchester United seal victory at Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old forward, who last week penned a new deal at Old Trafford worth a reported £300,000-a-week, smashed home United’s second goal in a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park on Saturday following Robin van Persie’s opener.

It’s a privilege to have him with us now and in the coming years

Juan Mata

And Mata, who signed for United from Chelsea last month, admits that he is full of admiration for the England international.

“The [Palace] game was special for Rooney after his recent renewal, and he was very happy,” Mata wrote on his blog on grada360.com.

“He deserves it; he is a model player in this club and it’s a privilege to have him with us now and in the coming years.”

The 25-year-old Spaniard continued: “We feel encouraged thanks to some good training days and a very important win at Crystal Palace.

“These three points gave us a lot of confidence. I think the team was solid and it was a clear victory.

“Me, personally, after five games with the team I feel there is more and more understanding with my team-mates on the pitch. The truth is, with a squad of such quality everything is easier.”