There's Rooney for improvement, insists United ace
Wayne Rooney is confident he has plenty of improvement still to make despite becoming a key man for Manchester United and England.
Although his behaviour has been criticised and reports have emerged of a stand-up row with national skipper David Beckham in Belfast last week, at just 19, Rooney is already one of the finest talents in the game.
It is virtually inconceivable either United or England could achieve success without the former Everton forward playing a major part.
Nevertheless, Rooney feels his development is not yet complete and although he has not set himself any specific targets for the new campaign, the worrying news for United’s domestic rivals is by the end of it he believes he will be a better player.
“I always think I can improve as a player,” he told Manchester United Radio.
“I had a good season last season but it was disappointing for the team as a whole.
“This time I have a good pre-season behind me. That’s important because if you miss pre-season then you are always playing catch-up.”
Rooney was still recovering from the broken foot he suffered at Euro 2004 when he joined United in a controversial £24m (€35.6m) deal just over 12 months ago.
However, a sensational debut-night hat-trick against Fenerbahce was the start of an amazing individual contribution to United’s cause which eventually saw him finish top scorer at the club with 17, one more than Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Rooney has already struck three times this term, including one against his old club on the opening day of the campaign.
But he insists it is his all-round game he wants to get better rather than his goals output.
“I have not set myself or been set a specific number of goals to reach,” he said.
“All I want to do is do better than I did last season. If I do that I will be happy.
“I want to keep improving as a player and keep improving my contribution to the team.”
After losing their 100% record to local rivals Manchester City, United are facing up to a huge week which sees them begin their Champions League quest against Villarreal before heading to Liverpool on Sunday for one of the most eagerly-anticipated tussles of any league season.
Rooney’s temperament will be guaranteed a hot reception at Anfield – where he memorably netted United’s winner last term – but all the teenager is concerned about is collecting maximum points to maintain the pursuit of champions Chelsea.
“We have a big game on Wednesday, then another at Liverpool,” he observed.
“We have to believe we can win them all.”
