The England international started 2010/11 season following a poor performance at the World Cup in South Africa. And his poor performance continued with United, as Rooney scored just three times in United's opening 17 games of the campaign.
However, Rooney ended the season with 17 goals to his name for club and country, thanks to the emergence of Mexican wonder kid Hernandez.
'Chicharito' arrived at Old Trafford having impressed for his country at the World Cup, and took the Premier League by storm, the Mexican settled quick in front of goal netting 20 times in all competitions.
And Rooney, speaking for media revealed that he would not have finished last season so strongly - netting 10 times in United's final 18 games - had it not been for 'Little Pea'.
"Before he came I'd only seen clips of him, and then I saw him at the World Cup. Then when he turned up, we were excited because you could see what kind of player he is," he says.
"I don't think any of us expected him to do what he did. To come in and cement your place in the team at such a young age is an incredible achievement, and I think he's helped me progress too. I can play in a deeper role and get more of the ball when he's there for defenders to worry about.
"I always want more of the ball and that position helps me see more of it. We suit each other. It could be a partnership for years."
Winning the Premier League last season saw United capture a record 19th league crown, finally usurping rivals Liverpool's haul of 18 - the last of which they lifted in 1990.
