Saints' boss Pochettino feels Wayne Rooney is as good as Messi, Ronaldo

Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is on the same level as Lionel Messi.

Speaking before his side travel to Old Trafford for Saturday afternoon kick-off, Pochettino said Rooney was as good as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo because he had the necessary acumen to judge the game and know when to up the tempo in a match.

Pochettino said: “I think that Wayne Rooney for England is very similar to what Lionel Messi is for Argentina.

“He’s a fantastic footballer that’s able to understand what’s required of him in every single phase of the game.

“I honestly rate him as high as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. I have a great admiration for how he as a football player.

“I rate him as high as those two players.”

Pochettino felt that his team needs to prevent Rooney from getting into his straps for them to get anything out of this weekend’s match. Rooney has scored five goals in his last six matches for Manchester United.