David Moyes is happy that Wayne Rooney has the fire back in his belly even if it might land him in a spot of bother on occasion.

The Manchester United forward has been back to his best this season and, with Robin van Persie ruled out by groin and toe problems, will lead his side's attack in their Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.

Rooney maintained his recent form by scoring the first and creating the second of United's goals in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Cardiff.

Yet the match will be remembered for just as long due to Rooney's swipe at Jordon Mutch, which earned the 28-year-old a booking but many believed should have resulted in a red card.

It is not the kind of action Moyes wants to see.

However, having worked with Rooney at the start of his career, the United boss knows to get his talisman into the mood to deliver top performances, occasionally there will be an issue to address.

"I want Wayne to have fire in his belly," said Moyes.

"He plays better when he is tough and aggressive. I don't want him to be kicking at anybody but I want him to keep being aggressive. He plays with his heart as well as the skills he has got in abundance.

"That is the way he is and that is the way he was when he was a boy at Everton with me.

"That is what a lot of people have said might have been missing from his game last season.

"I don't want him to be kicking at anybody but I want him to keep being aggressive."

"It is certainly not missing now. He has the hunger and desire back. He is committed for everything."

Moyes has been widely credited for the overall improvement in Rooney's demeanour, which looks increasingly likely to end with the 28-year-old signing a contract extension.

"That is what happens with Wayne - a lot of attention," said Moyes.

"Everyone recognises the form he is in. He scored a goal again and made another.

"Maybe more attention has been drawn to something else rather than his goal or making another goal but the attention for all this season has been on his good form."

More emphasis will be placed on Rooney at the Bay Arena given the manner in which Moyes' squad is being stretched.

In addition to Van Persie, skipper Nemanja Vidic (concussion), Michael Carrick (Achilles) and Marouane Fellaini (suspension) are all missing.

It will not make it easy against a side who have won every home game this term, with the exception of their draw with European Cup winners Bayern Munich last month.