Manchester United: George Best - Rooney not worth the money yet!

Manchester United legend George Best believes his former club are being short-changed by the performances of Wayne Rooney.

The 19-year-old was signed from Everton on transfer deadline day in August in a deal worth £23million-plus after a string of eye-catching performances for England at Euro 2004.

A broken foot in that tournament delayed his appearance for his new club but true, to form, Rooney marked his debut with a stunning Champions League hat-trick against Fenerbahce.

However, since then Rooney, a second-half substitute in the goalless Manchester derby, has scored just once - against Arsenal two weeks ago - and Best believes the Old Trafford club deserve more from their major signing this season.

"For that sort of money you would want him to be performing every week and he is not. But he is still very young," said Best.

"It was inevitable it was going to happen. He has come onto the big stage with a bang, scored three terrific goals and that does not happen every week.

"You have your bad spells and he has found out very quickly how life can be tough at the top."

Best also felt his former club would struggle to win the title this season after slipping 11 points behind leaders Chelsea and nine adrift of defending champions Arsenal.

Sportinglife

Looks like Best may be made to eat his words as Rooney has shown he is worth every penny so far. Maybe he had a few too many drinks when he said it...