Crystal Palace 0 Man United 2: Moyes full of praise for Rooney

David Moyes believes that Wayne Rooney’s performance in Manchester United’s win at Crystal Palace underlined the striker’s importance to the club.

After Robin van Persie had given the Red Devils the lead from the penalty spot in the second half, Rooney fired home a superb second in his first appearance since signing his new contract.

Wayne’s a top player and he shows it week in, week out

David Moyes

And Moyes, whose side moved up to sixth in the table but still remain eight points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, was delighted by the 28-year-old’s display.

“The finish was exquisite and it was a really good move,” Moyes told Sky Sports.

“He’s a really important player. You think about the number of clubs who wanted to sign him. He would have been too difficult to replace, there aren’t enough good players out there that you could get. Wayne’s a top player and he shows it week in, week out.

“You can see the change in him as a boy as well, his leadership and what he’s trying to bring to the team. We want him to keep at it and I’m sure he will.

“The credit goes to the owners and Manchester United board for making a stand and saying that we’re keeping our best players and adding to it.”

Moyes also felt that his side were fully deserving of the three points against the Eagles.

“It’s a difficult place for any team to come and win,” he continued.

“They’ve not conceded many goals and have made themselves hard to beat again today but thankfully we got the goals in the second half. It was certainly a deserved win.”