Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has stated his belief that the current squad would benefit greatly from winning a trophy or two this season.

Despite having recently been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, the Red Devils are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League standings and remain in the FA Cup.

After United ended the last campaign without any silverware, Rooney feels that the young players within the squad would learn a lot from claiming their first title.

"We have a brilliant squad with a great mix of experienced players and young players who all have great ability and a real desire to win," the centre-forward told Inside United. "Being successful this season is really important because it would give us a great platform to kick on in the next few years.

"Once the young players get their first taste of silverware with the club they'll realise how good it feels and they'll want to keep doing it again and again. Hopefully they'll get to taste it this season."

Meanwhile, Rooney's future at United has been the source of much speculation in recent days, with a report claiming that the 27-year-old feels that his days at Old Trafford are numbered.