Rooney Working Hard To Start At United

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has expressed his desire to reclaim a starting place in Jose Mourinho's team after being on the bench for the three previous matches.

The manager did not start Rooney in the 4-1 win over Premier League champions Leicester City, the EFL Cup victory at Northampton Town or last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City at Old Trafford.

Rooney has since reported for international duty with England and, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the 30-year-old was asked about the adjustment of starting for United.

"Of course you want to play," Wayne told reporters at St George’s Park. "As a football player you want to play. It is my job, I love football and I love being involved with the team. 

"Obviously I am not starting at the minute with Manchester United and I have to work hard to try to get back in the starting XI, which I am doing, and when I get my chances I have to take them.

"But again I am fully supportive of the team, of the players and of the manager at Manchester United. Of course I want to be involved but the most important thing is that we win."

At the same press conference, Rooney was also asked about Marcus Rashford’s return to the England senior team after his recent hat-trick with the Under-21s. He was naturally pleased that his United team-mate’s form has been recognised by interim Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

"Well, I think it is important that we have got exciting young players and that good young players get the rewards they deserve," Wayne said. "He has been fantastic since he got into the Manchester United squad and he has carried that on at the start of this season. I think he fully deserves his chance to be in the England squad to play and, if he does that, I am sure he will take his opportunity.

On the prospect of Rashford becoming an England regular, Rooney said: "I hope so. He is a fantastic player with a great attitude and he has got all of the ability he needs, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t. I am sure, if given the chance in these two games, then he will start to try to do that."

Rooney also touched on former United defender and Academy graduate Michael Keane earning his first senior call-up. "I think it was a deserved call-up because he has started the season really well," the striker opined. "We also have a new manager who might have his own ideas and opinions on different players, so it is a fresh start for everyone starting from today and the first training session."