Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has urged Wayne Rooney to stay at the English Premier League club despite the striker having requested a transfer.

The 27-year-old put in a transfer request just before the end of the season after what was a difficult campaign for the forward.

United declined the request but speculation is still rife as to whether the England international will stay or go.

Van der Sar believes that Rooney is still an important player for United and hopes that he decides to stay, as he feels that he would struggle to find a better club abroad.

"It was maybe a lesser season and he didn't play the last couple of games but he's really important for United," Van der Sar told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"English players tend to stay in England to play their football and rightly so because you have big clubs, the tradition and the stadiums are always full.

"With the change of manager and backroom staff it could be a big change for Manchester United but I don't think you'll find a better atmosphere at many other clubs."

He continued: "There has been so much pressure on him, you build him up and put all your money on him to make England world or European champions.

"So it's also quite easy to cut him down again. Players have indifferent seasons and maybe Wayne's been overtaken by Robin van Persie this year but it's the hard work that he puts in for the team (which should be recognised)."