Rooney: Victory Is Vital In Season Opener

Wayne Rooney believes victory is vital for Manchester United in Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener with Tottenham Hotspur.

The striker feels the result is more important than the performance at Old Trafford, even if he hopes Louis van Gaal's men put on a show in front of a capacity crowd, as he bids to enhance a fine personal record against Spurs of eight goals in his last nine league starts.

"Tottenham are a team I have done well against over the years and scored goals," he told MUTV. "I hope that can continue on Saturday but the most important thing is getting three points. For me, I'd say the three points are more important than the performance on Saturday. We want to perform well but it's vital that we get three points."

Rooney is set to spearhead the Reds' attack and appears likely to be the main goal threat in the side, having spent much of last term in deeper positions.

The skipper hasn't set himself any goal targets this season, but he adds: "I think it's important that I try to start the season well and, hopefully, get off to a scoring start. But the points are more important. The goals will come and hopefully I can score a few goals this season."