Rooney Reflects On His Goalscoring Return

Wayne Rooney was pleased to score on his return to the Manchester United team during Sunday’s 2-0 win at Burnley.

The club captain played the full 90 minutes at Turf Moor and added a significant second goal to Anthony Martial's opener as the Reds claimed three important points in the Premier League.

"We knew this would be a difficult place to come to and win," said the 31-year-old, before admitting there had been a clear game plan to combat Burnley’s style, a plan which was executed to a tee.

"We knew their weaknesses and strengths and we tried to play to that as best as we could," he said.

"We started off strong, they threw a lot of long balls forward and we dealt with them brilliantly. The last ten minutes were as comfortable as it can be when you come to this stadium."

The injuries sustained by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo in Thursday night's win over Anderlecht was clearly on the mind of United's players at Turf Moor. They even donned special shirts in the warm-up, showing support for their team-mates and Rooney stressed they have the full backing of the dressing room.

"Marcos and Zlatan are great lads," he said. "We're all gutted and disappointed for them because they're going to have tough times in the next few months but they have the support of all the players. We'll try and help them come back stronger."

Rooney had made just a single substitute appearance since starting against Bournemouth on 4 March but he made his mark on returning to the line-up, producing a captain’s performance and netting shortly before half-time.

"I was delighted to be back out there," he admitted, "and it’s always great to be on the scoresheet.

"Losing Marcos and Zlatan, two very important players for us, was a big loss after the high of getting to the Europa League semi-finals. But that loss gives other players a chance to come in and the lads who’ve come in, like myself and Anthony, have given the manager something to think about.

"We’ve played well and both scored so it’s great, it’s healthy for the team, competition for places and that’s what we need from now till the end of the season."

United's record goalscorer conceded his enforced spell on the sidelines was somewhat vexing but he’s confident he's now back in prime condition to help the club.

"I’ve picked up a few injuries which is frustrating, nothing big but small injuries which have set me back (but) I’ve come back, I feel strong and I’m thankful to have played today and to have scored."

Jose Mourinho made eight changes to the side that started against Anderlecht on Thursday night with Rooney insisting that the full squad will be needed for the final stages of the season.

"We know we’ve got a good squad and we’ll need that squad for the run-in," he stressed. "We’ve got eleven games left if we get to the final [of the Europa League] and we’ve got to stick together and try to help each other succeed. It shows the strength of the squad when the manager’s calling on players who don’t let him down."

Finally Rooney, whose 39th-minute strike doubled the Reds' lead in Lancashire, cast his mind forward to this Thursday’s match with Manchester City, which could prove pivotal in the race for Champions League football next season.

"I think it's a game between two great teams," he said, "and it’s a massive game for the city as always. There’s a fight for the top four and us and City are firmly in that fight. We know it’s a big game for both teams and we’ll be ready. There’s no better feeling than when you win the derby."