Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has highlighted the importance of getting a positive result against Aston Villa this weekend.

The Red Devils moved five points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with a 2-1 win at Anfield on March 22 which further enhanced their Champions League hopes.

However, according to Rooney, if United cannot defeat 16th-placed Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday then the triumph over the Reds will count for nothing.

"Yes it was (a six-pointer at Liverpool), but that means nothing if we don't beat Aston Villa on Saturday," Rooney said.

"Obviously Arsenal play Liverpool as well, so if we can get the win against Villa that will be an even better result than Liverpool was for us.

"I think there are still eight games left. We are in a good position at the minute so it's in our own hands, so have to make sure we do it."