Rooney: Confidence Is Rising

Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney reckons new manager Jose Mourinho has brought a sense of belief back to the club.

The 53-year-old has arrived at Old Trafford with 17 major trophies on his CV including eight league titles in four countries and two Champions League triumphs with different clubs.

Although Mourinho's predecessor Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup in his final match in charge of United, the team lacked the swagger which brought so much success in the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Rooney is relishing the prospect of challenging for major honours under Mourinho, and is already enjoying the hard work in preparation for the new campaign.

"It's always great to get a new manager but when you get someone in the stature of Jose Mourinho he's great to work under and he's brought a winning mentality back to the club," Rooney said on Manchester radio station Key 103.

"Manchester United as a football club, we have to win and we have to deliver for him.

"There's pressure on the players but we're ready and I think this season we'll give a real challenge on all fronts.

"He's come in, he's been great with the players. The training has been hard but enjoyable. We're ready, we're working hard. We know it's a big season for us.

"He's made, in my opinion, some great signings who have gelled in really well with the squad so it's exciting times."

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old, who needs just five goals to break United's all-time scoring record held by Sir Bobby Charlton, is already looking at life beyond his playing days.

"I've started taking my coaching badges now so that will probably take about four or five years to complete," Rooney said.

"Of course I've got a lot of experience playing football. So I think it would be criminal if I didn't try and pass that knowledge on so hopefully when I finish playing I can get some role as a manager or coach and try and use the experience I've built up over the years."

Credit: Skysports.com