Van Persie hails Rooney influence

Robin van Persie has said that playing alongside Wayne Rooney at Manchester United has improved him as a player, according to the Metro.

The Netherlands international finished his first season with United as the top scorer in the Premier League but has netted just eight in all competitions so far this campaign, though he has missed the last month with a thigh problem.

Rooney has also been missing recently through injury, though the England international is set to return for this weekend’s clash with Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Rafael has refuted claims by his agent that he is set to quit Old Trafford in the summer, according to the Daily Star.

Cassiano Pereira, who represents both Da Silva twins had claimed that both Rafael and brother Fabio were on their way out of Manchester but the right back has said that, at least as far as he is concerned, that is not the case.

Elsewhere, Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has said that Vito Mannone is calm among reports linking him with a move to Manchester United, Sky Sports understands.

The Italian only moved to the Stadium of Light from Arsenal in the summer, but has been touted as a target for the Premier League champions as back up for David De Gea.