Rooney Expects Return Of 'Old Man. United'

Wayne Rooney predicts that the "old Manchester United" will be on show again this season under Jose Mourinho.

New boss Mourinho has begun a recruitment drive that has brought defender Eric Bailly, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Old Trafford.

"We're in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League," said 30-year-old Rooney.

"I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United."

In an interview with the Daily Mail, he added that the new signings would complement a squad that featured the talents of rising stars like Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who "made such an impact" last season.

Rooney also praised the "great work ethic" of Ibrahimovic and said United would be making a "big statement" if they managed to capture Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

United, FA Cup winners in Louis Van Gaal's last game in May, kick off the new domestic season against Premier League champions Leicester in next weekend's Community Shield at Wembley.

Rooney admits United "want to put a marker down" in that match.

"I know it's a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on," he said. "We feel that's an important event for us."

Credit: BBC Sport