Ferguson names his influential five

[Lazie]

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has identified the five players who have been key to their push to the front in the title race.

Ferguson has revealed his five leaders responsible for overtaking title rivals Manchester City.

"You have to protect your team as best you can. I think it's a good, strong squad with good youth and experience in it," he said.

"Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. Those five do represent a lot of experience and we expect them to be right on top of their job."

[Lazie]

So what about Rooney?

[Jangle]

Those five display more leadership qualities than Rooney, even though his game has matured tremendously this season. I think he's being groomed as captain, but maybe after SAF retires. SAF likes to give his captaincy to a defender.