Wayne Rooney believes he will become a better player in the
presence of Dimitar Berbatov - but he says the strength of United's
attack means he is not guaranteed a place in the side.
The
22-year-old striker hopes his new £30million team-mate will bring
continuity to his role up front, where he says playing alongside a
player of Berbatov's experience will help him improve.
"The mere
fact he is at Old Trafford should take me onto a different level," he
says. "I am not guaranteed my place in the side anymore."
While
Rooney shares some characteristics with Carlos Tevez, Berbatov has
style different to anything else United have got, which is why Rooney
feels he will be suited to playing alongside the Bulgarian.
"More
than anything I like playing just off a front man," said Rooney,
currently on international duty with England. "It's probably because I
get on the ball more. I don't like to be out of the game too long.
"Some
centre-forwards can stay up front, not touch the ball and just look to
score goals. I don't really enjoy doing that. I like to be involved in
the game. Mainly at United I have been used in different roles but
maybe the fact Dimitar has arrived will bring some continuity to my
game."
Rooney admits he likes the pressure of needing to perform
to secure his place in the side, citing United's recent clash with
Bolton, in which he came off the bench to score his first goal of the
season. "I like to play under pressure," he said. "The other week when
the manager left me out against Bolton, I was disappointed. I just
wanted to get on the pitch as quickly as I could and show him what I
could do. I like to prove people wrong if I can."
rooney can't even help himself
Originally posted by youyayu:rooney can't even help himself
Originally posted by youyayu:rooney can't even help himself
well..Rooney has been looking good in recent games, hasn't he? He's one to benefit playing off a central big striker..
Originally posted by KaurexO_o:
well..Rooney has been looking good in recent games, hasn't he? He's one to benefit playing off a central big striker..
agree. but feels he is often running too deep back to get the ball.. and seldom see him taking on defenders and blasting the ball into the net.. just can't forget his first hatrick..