Manchester United News: Has Wayne Rooney Become a Top 5 Player in Europe?

Wayne Rooney has led Manchester United to the top of the table in the Premier League after four games, and has been in the form of his life along the way.

Rooney has ten goals in six games this season (all competitions), but it’s not his scoring that’s getting all the attention, it’s his ability to make his teammates better.

Rooney’s improved all-around ability has drawn praise from his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who made the following comments about the Englishman before the two sides' Champions League game in mid-week.

Via the Guardian:

"

"Rooney is the best British player but doesn't seem like a British player," Jesus said. "He's like an Argentinian or Brazilian. He can decide the match in the final third and so we have to pay special attention to him."

"

Ferguson believes Rooney is a typical English player, but he also mentioned that his forward plays like a legendary Brazilian forward.

Via the Guardian:

"

“… In terms of a Brazilian, you'd say Pelé. He was a very aggressive attacker also who could look after himself, so can Rooney. They have similarities that way: strength, speed, determination, but he's white, completely white."

"

What sets Rooney apart from most of Europe’s best players is what Ferguson mentioned, his strength, speed and determination.

It’s rare to find such an amazingly gifted offensive player possess the types of physical attributes that Rooney brings to each match.

Rooney is tough to knock of the ball, it’s tough to beat him in a foot race, and it’s tough to save his powerful and accurate shots. He has become a top five player in the world.

With ten goals already to his name, surpassing his United record of 34 goals is a very real possibility, and Rooney may even come close to 50 goals scored in all competitions.

Another part of Rooney’s footballing game that has improved is his maturity. He has come a long way since the first few months of last season, when he wasn’t even sure if Manchester United was part of his future.

Playing in arguably the best form of his life, Wayne Rooney will continue his spectacular play that has helped United climb to the top of the Premier League.

Rooney has become the complete player, and a top five footballer. He is determined to lead United back to the Champions League final, and avenge their 2009 and 2011 losses to Barcelona.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter for the latest sports news.  Follow @NicholasGoss35