Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata is like Yoda while Alan Stubbs was my Jedi Master at Everton, says Wayne Rooney 

The force hasn't been with Wayne Rooney this season but that hasn't stopped the Manchester United captain comparing team-mate Juan Mata to Yoda.

Discussing the latest Star Wars film The Force Awakens as part of the government's wider GREAT Britain campaign, Rooney likens the Spanish playmaker to the legendary Jedi master.

Comparing their petite frames, Rooney also hails Mata's intelligence on-and-off the pitch to that of Yoda too.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has compared Juan Mata to Star Wars character Yoda

United's No 10 made the comparison while speaking about the latest Star Wars film The Force Awakens

Rooney says Mata (left) is 'small' like Yoda but is 'very intelligent' too like the legendary Star Wars character

'He's very talented,' Rooney said of Mata.

'He's small, obviously like Yoda, and he's very intelligent on and off the pitch. In some ways he's a bit of a genius, so I think him and Yoda fit perfectly.'

Rooney surpassed Denis Law into second in United's all-time goalscoring list last Saturday when he scored their winner in a 2-1 win against Swansea.

And now in his 12th year at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old striker has praised former Everton defender Alan Stubbs for helping him develop into the player he has become.

Reflecting on their time together at Goodison Park while playing for Everton, Rooney added that Stubbs was his 'Jedi Master' before his 2004 switch to United.

'If you look at me as a young player, my Jedi Master was certainly Alan Stubbs. He was someone I looked up to and still do,' he said in the video.

Rooney (left) has called Alan Stubbs his Jedi Master after the latter's guidance during their time at Everton

Rooney (left) pictured in action against Stubbs after the former left Everton for United

When asked who from Star Wars would fit into his starting XI - United's No 10 selected popular characters Chewbacca, BB-8 and Yoda.

Chewbacca could probably play centre half and goalkeeper in one, to be honest, with the size of him,' Rooney added.

'I'd probably put Yoda in the midfield. He's intelligent, he can control the game, he can control things.

'Alongside me up front, I'd probably put BB-8, he's quick and can beat the offside trap.'

Star Wars character Chewbacca (left) would feature in Rooney's starting XI at either defence or in goal

The 30-year-old also added that he would play up front with BB-8 as 'he's quick and can beat the offside trap'