New Wayne Rooney Contract Crucial for David Moyes' Success at Manchester United

Wayne Rooney's consistency at Manchester United this year has prompted Rio Ferdinand to declare him the side's best player, and David Moyes would be wise to strike up a new deal for the striker.

Speaking to David McDonnell at The Mirror, Ferdinand outlined the process by which Rooney has re-ignited his career at Old Trafford:

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I just think with Wazza, if he's playing continually, week-in and week-out, with no blips of injuries then you get a fit, striving, thriving Rooney.

That's been the case this season. As long as he's fit in terms of playing week-in, week-out, then you have a real talent.

He's been our best player this season. He's scoring goals, he's making goals and he has the bit between his teeth at the minute.

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Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney was sometimes forced to play an unfamiliar role within the side and looked to be leaving the Red Devils amid a wave of offseason transfer speculation.

Instead, Rooney remained with the team and has delivered quality performances every week—even when the rest of the team hasn't matched his level.

Moyes has come to rely on Rooney to form the backbone of his attack, especially with Robin van Persie missing time with injury.

After an inauspicious start to life at United, Moyes has now overseen a nine-game unbeaten run that was capped with a 1-0 victory over much-fancied title contenders Arsenal.

Although it was van Persie whose goal decided the game, it was Rooney's delivery that he met to head home.

Rooney's time in midfield has enabled him to become a more complete player, regardless of how much it will have dissatisfied him to play deep. Now we see him dropping back to that position to link up with Adnan Januzaj or sitting in a No.10 role before threading the ball through for van Persie to score.

Moyes needs Rooney too much to allow him to be stolen away in another offseason controversy. It would be wise for him to open up contract talks with the striker as soon as possible, which would likely involve increasing Rooney's £250,000 a week salary.

On November 16, Jermey Cross of The Daily Star reported that United were in no hurry to start talking with Rooney about a new deal.

That report came on the heels of press speculation that the striker would be netting £52 million across a four-year agreement.

While it's understandable that United will reveal nothing of any contract discussions, such consistency from Rooney will inevitably force Moyes' hand—as well as putting the striker in the shop window before January if his current employers drag their feet.

Although Rooney still has about 18 months remaining on his deal, last season proved that his position at the club is—at the very least—up for debate. Losing him while allowing his contract to run down would be costly for United.

If they are to sell him, they will obviously want the highest price possible. At 28, he could inflict significant damage on United from another team, so the transfer fee acquired would need to take that into account.

Right now, it's clear that Moyes needs him. Rooney can still be a player he builds around as he attempts to emerge from the shadow of Ferguson's United.