Patrice Evra has claimed that Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney deserved to be offered the "big contract" at Old Trafford this week.

The England international drew a line under the speculation regarding his future by extending his stay with United until 2019 on Friday.

The 28-year-old is set to pocket in the region of £300,000 per week - a Premier League record - but Evra says that the marksman has been rightfully rewarded for his work in recent years.

"He deserved to have a big contract," the full-back told MUTV. "I'm so happy for him because he is working hard, and it's a good sign for the future of Manchester United, for the fans and for everyone.

"I'm really pleased with Wayne because he deserves it."

Rooney marked the occasion by scoring the Red Devils' second of the evening in the 2-0 victory away to Crystal Palace on Saturday.