And Ander Herrera, whose strong challenge prompted Steven Gerrard's stamp at Anfield on Sunday, says United and England skipper Rooney urges him to get stuck in.
Midfielder Herrera said: "I just have to listen to Rooney and Michael Carrick before games. When they tell us to stick the boot in and play aggressively it is like taking a master's degree course.
"Rooney leads the way as he is a very open personality - and he insults me, David [De Gea] and Juan [Mata] in Spanish.
GETTY
Ander Herrera says Wayne Rooney swears at the Spanish players to pep them up
He insults me, David [De Gea] and Juan [Mata] in Spanish
Ander Herrera
"I prefer to talk with him about football, as I know he likes boxing - and I don't want him to start trying it out with me!"
The slightly-built Herrera, a £29m signing from Athletic Bilbao last summer, says he loves the physicality of the English game.
He told El Pais: "I've been impressed by the physical strength of our opponents in the Premier League. But there aren't situations where you fear to put your foot in. On the contrary - the risk is in not going in strongly, as that way you can get hurt.
"Besides, your fans like you to make tackles and pressure opponents. I've become infected with this attitude since I came over."
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