Marouane Fellaini has been praised by Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney for his ability to get the ball to ground.

The towering Belgian midfielder has emerged as an integral part of Louis van Gaal's side in recent months and was again in top form as the Red Devils hammered Manchester City 4-2 in the derby on Sunday.

Of Fellaini's performance, and his capabilities in the air, Rooney spoke highly of the former Everton man who headed United in front in the 27th minute as they turned the tides with a first derby triumph in five outings.

"He's getting used in the right way. He's a handful for defenders to mark," said Rooney.

"As you can see we like to try to play out from the back but, if teams are pressing us, it is an option for us and he's probably the best in world football at bringing the ball down, getting us out of that pressure and getting us further down the pitch.

"So the manager is using him in the right way and he is repaying the manager with goals and good performances."