Wayne Rooney has evolved into a more "mature" player, according to Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra.

Rooney has been in great striking form this season, leading the Red Devils' charge with 23 goals. This is equal to his best ever season tally and with 15 more games to go - the 24-year-old could be in for a watershed year.

Teammate Evra puts this down to greater awareness on Rooney's part.

Talking to the Manchester Evening News, the Frenchman said that "Wayne understands what the team needs and we're seeing what a great player he is."

"He is a world class player and is getting his just deserts because now he is more mature, he concentrates more on staying around the box."

In Evra's opinion, the departure of sensational midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has been instrumental in Rooney recognising that he needs to shoulder more responsibilty for United.

"He's not lost any desire to still press the ball and things like that, but now he knows he needs to score a lot of goals because Ronny [Cristiano Ronaldo] has gone and he needs to score more.

"He's changed his mentality. Now he wants to score, he wants to be a killer and that is very important for us," concluded Evra.