Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has claimed that teammate Chris Smalling is one of the best centre-halves in the world.

The 25-year-old has earned praise for the improvement in his performances for United and England after establishing himself as a regular under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

"He has been incredible and for me he is right up there in world football in terms of centre-halves," Rooney told BBC Sport.

"He is in the top three centre-halves in the world, I think he is that good. He is developing to become more of a leader of the back four and it is great to see for both United and England."

Smalling has made 16 appearances in all competitions for United this season.