Rooney Sets Goals Target

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is aiming to score 25 goals this season after being given a more central role by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney weighed in with 20 goals for United last term, but was often deployed on the wing as Cristiano Ronaldo was given more of a roving role.

With Ronaldo sold to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, Rooney will be restored to his favoured position and he is aiming to repay his manager with goals.

"Of course 25 is a target which I hope I'm going to reach," said Rooney. "I've always said I should score more and hopefully I'll do that this season.

"I've got what I wanted. I like to play through the middle.

"The manager has come out now and said I am going to play there throughout the season so I'm delighted with that.

"He may change his mind and whatever he says goes, but I hope he will play me there for most of the season. If I keep scoring goals I will justify it."

He added: "I am comfortable with the extra responsibility now Cristiano has gone.

"There have been big expectations on me for the last seven years so whether he was here or not I would still have that.

"But I have never looked at myself as being the main man. It is a team game. I won't win a trophy on my own."

Rooney is also confident that strike partner Dimitar Berbatov, who failed to win over the fans in his debut season at Old Trafford, is looking sharper ahead of the opening game against Birmingham on Sunday.

"You can see in training and games during pre-season that Dimitar has looked sharper," said Rooney.

"He looks like he is more determined.

"He is tracking back with the full-backs in pre-season and is definitely working harder and trying to impress.

"He is a brilliant player. He has so much quality he has got and we all want him to show it."