Rooney's form has helped take United to the top of the Premier League

Wayne Rooney has been "carrying" Premier League champions Manchester United this season, according to former England captain Alan Shearer.

Rooney, 24, has scored 19 league goals this season and has moved to pledge his future to the club after reported interest from Barcelona.

Former Newcastle United manager Shearer told BBC Radio 5 live: "I think he has carried United on his own at times.

"That's saying something for the size of that particular club."

On Rooney's importance to the Red Devils, Shearer added: "They would not be where they are in the league."

United went top of the Premier League at the weekend as Rooney scored all four goals in a 4-0 victory over Hull City and the forward set his sights on beating his record of 23 goals in one season.

As important as he is to Manchester United, he is just as important to England Alan Shearer on Wayne Rooney

Rooney is also the league's top-scorer so far this campaign.

And while Rooney admitted he was flattered with the attention of Europe's elite, he insisted he was happy to remain at Old Trafford.

He told the club website: "There's always speculation, and when other big teams are talking about you, it's nice that you're talked about.

"But as I've said many times before, I'm a United player and I'm very happy here."

Rooney's all-round development this season has not gone unnoticed by Shearer, himself a prolific striker for Blackburn, Newcastle United and England before his retirement in 2006.

"I think his performances have been spectacular and I hope he's not peaking too soon, as an England fan," Shearer said.

"As important as he is to Manchester United, he is just as important to England, and I don't think anyone should forget that.

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"On the other hand there were question marks. People were saying he has to step up his performance this year because of the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo [to Real Madrid] and boy has he done that."

With the World Cup looming this summer, Shearer feels Rooney has the endurance and fitness to thrive despite facing a heavy workload over the next six months.

"I wouldn't bother resting him - I don't think he appreciates being rested either," added Shearer.

"I was exactly the same, you know your own body better than anyone else.

"He seems to thrive on playing and he hates missing games.

"The fear I have with him is injury and that is not something he, nor anyone, can do anything about."

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