Rooney talks of a switch to midfield, where he played last season during an injury crisis at United, explaining: “I get more of the ball, I’m involved loads and, after one game, I even think about playing there permanently, but only later in my career.

“Once I feel that I haven’t got the sharpness needed to get away from defenders, I’ll probably drop back into midfield for a couple of seasons so I can still influence the game.”

Rooney also wrote about the agony he felt when the Barclays Premier League was claimed by arch rivals Manchester City last season on a dramatic final day which saw United beat Sunderland only for City to snatch a late winner against QPR, with United losing out on goal difference.

“Someone shouts, ’City scored two in injury time’ and I feel sick. Our fans look heartbroken. There’s nothing worse than having the same points as the champions, but being second best.”

Rooney also talks about the remorse he felt after celebrating scoring a hat-trick against West Ham by swearing into a TV camera.

Upon seeing his angry face shouting into the camera after the game he immediately issued an apology.

“I’m shouting, screaming and swearing into the cameras. My face is all twisted, scowling, angry, wound up. I start to feel sick. I know I’ve let myself down. I got carried away, made a mistake, and now I regret it and genuinely feel sorry.”