Louis Saha has leapt to the defence of under-fire Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney over accusations that he dived to win a penalty in Monday's FA Cup win over Preston North End.

Rooney appeared to go to ground under minimal contact from goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann before slotting the resulting spot kick to cap a 3-1 win at Deepdale.

Former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore has since labelled the 29-year-old a 'cheat', but Saha, who played with the United captain for four years, claims that there are other factors to consider.

"Look, it is a debate - you can all look at a replay and make comments but in an actual match it is very difficult," the Frenchman is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"In a situation like that when it is so fast and quick, it is so difficult. It happens every time.

"There may not have been contact, but he could have still needed to take action to avoid the challenge when it happens at high speed like that."

Preston boss Simon Grayson also came out in defence of Rooney after the game.