Rooney: Reds Getting Sharper

Wayne Rooney says United's goal blitz against the Seattle Sounders proves the players are beginning to hit their stride.

The England striker netted a second half hat-trick after coming off the bench at the break, while Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Ji-sung Park and Gabriel Obertan also got in on the scoring act as United ran out 7-0 winners at CenturyLink Field.

Rooney told MUTV the Reds' comprehensive win over the Sounders was the reward for a period of intensive pre-season training in Seattle.

"I think the result shows how hard we've worked this week and we've benefitted from it tonight," he said. "We looked sharp and scored some really good goals.

"It's a great result for us but the most important thing was the work-out."

Sir Alex talked after the game about the competition for places in the goalkeeping and midfield department, but there's likely to be a fair old battle going on up front as well.

"We know there's a lot of competition for places with the strikers this season," added Rooney. "And we've got Chicharito to come back in as well.

"We all need to make sure we keep working hard and fight for the one or two places available."