Rooney Feeling The Pressure

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney admits his place in the side is under pressure following the arrival of new star names, but says it goes with the territory at Old Trafford.

Defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all arrived at Old Trafford this summer - with Paul Pogba also a known transfer target - and Rooney accepts he will need to be at his best to stay in Jose Mourinho's plans.

Rooney, who is in Shanghai with the squad for their pre-season China tour, said: "You always feel you have to prove yourself every season, because it's a dream to play for them. I think you always feel pressure when you play for Manchester United.

"It's one of the biggest - if not the biggest - clubs in the world and it's been a pleasure and a privilege to play for them for so long.

"The appointment of Jose Mourinho is a big appointment for us and we're all excited by it.

"We've made some fantastic signings, too. Hopefully, we can have a good start to the season and be successful by the end of it."

Rooney, who has only just begun pre-season training following his involvement with England at Euro 2016, is counting on Mourinho maintaining his track record of leading clubs to immediate success.

Since the retirement in 2013 of Sir Alex Ferguson, who led the club to more than 30 trophies during his 26-year spell, United have managed to add just one to their haul - the FA Cup last season - and in the process sacked two managers.

"I've only had one day (training with Mourinho) since we came out, but it was a very good day," said the 30-year-old.

"But I think you only have to look at the teams he's had before, and the success he's had with them, and we're hoping he can bring that to us. I'm excited for it. It's a big season for us."

Credit: Skysports.com