Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is getting irritated by the claim his present squad are sub-standard compared to those from years gone by if his comments in the programme notes for last night's Champions League win over Marseille are any guide.

Even in defeat, Marseille boss Didier Deschamps remains adamant this Red Devils outfit are a pale imitation of those from days gone by.

Yet, for all the criticism, they keep winning.

Top of the Premier League, victory over closest challengers Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend earned a semi-final confrontation with Manchester City.

And on Friday, United will learn their European Cup quarter-final opponents, having squeezed into the last eight by the narrowest of margins.

It means they all still in contention to lift all three trophies that turned them into history makers 12 seasons ago.

For that, Rooney is prepared to suffer any amount of critical acclaim.

"I would take that all day," he said.

"Look at Inter Milan. They won the Italian Treble last season. You wouldn't say they were the most entertaining team to watch.

"But they achieved history.

"Maybe we do need to kill games off a bit quicker but hopefully we can do that in the future."

Rooney certainly sees no need to apologise for the manner of United's victories.

After all, his jaw-dropping overhead kick in last month's Manchester derby will stand comparison with any goal, whilst in 16-goal striker Javier Hernandez, Rooney feels United have the "steal of the season".

"Without a doubt," agreed the England forward.

"You can see he is in good form scoring-wise but he works so hard as well.

"He always tries to stay on the shoulder of the last defender. You know he is quick, which makes it easier to find him.

"By making those runs behind defenders, it creates more space in front of them. It is certainly working well at the minute."

So well indeed that Dimitar Berbatov cannot get into the United starting line-up despite including three hat-tricks in a 20-goal haul that, for now, has him top of the United scoring charts.

Rooney has not even reached half that tally yet, which considering he ended last term with 32 to his name, just emphasises the difficulties he has had this season.

Yet, strangely enough, the 25-year-old's last two performances have been amongst his best in the last 12 months, both of which were produced from deeper positions.

"I am actually quite enjoying it," he said.

"Although last season I scored more goals, I wasn't getting involved in the game.

"As a football player, you want to be involved and setting things up.

"I am happy to take on the responsibility. When you set a goal up it is a great feeling. It is up there with scoring certainly."

As one of United's few remaining fit players, Rooney will now set his sights on Saturday's opponents Bolton, knowing victory at Old Trafford will help stabilise his side's Premier League title challenge.

Before that, Rooney and his team-mates will discover the identity of their next European opponents.

Favourites Barcelona are an obvious team to be avoided, and it does seem like defending champions Inter Milan are starting to hit form as well.

Yet ask Rooney which team he has enjoyed watching in the competition so far and the answer is something of a surprise.

"Barcelona are playing some great football but I am enjoying watching Tottenham at the minute," he said.

"It is their first year in the Champions League, so they are something new and they have done so well.

"I am happy we play on a different day to them because I love watching their matches."