Wayne Rooney is revelling in his new-found role as a leader and has set his sights on becoming captain for club and country.
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Rooney as the elder statesman of Manchester United’s vibrant young side, while the striker is already firmly established as England’s most influential player.
Rooney has started the new season with a flourish, scoring nine goals in six club games and two more for England, and said he is now ready to take on the responsibility of being captain.
“That would be a great honour,” said Rooney. “I’ve captained both on one-off occasions. Obviously to get the two jobs full-time would be a great honour for me.”
Ferguson believes Rooney, who turns 26 this month, has matured as a player and is reaching his peak, becoming the man United’s new generation of players look up to.
“It’s obviously great for the manager to say that,” said Rooney. “But I feel like I’ve always trained the same, always worked hard and played the same on the pitch.
“If I’m not happy with something, I let it be known, so I think it’s good for the younger players to see that and to know that you still care and still want to win.
“Obviously we’ve got a lot of young players in the team. Players will come in and look at you, see what you’re doing and how you are on the training pitch and on the pitch.”
Rooney has missed United’s last two games with a tight hamstring but will be reunited with strike partner Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez against Norwich on Saturday, as the Mexico forward also returning after injury.
Ferguson believes Rooney and Chicharito can enjoy a prolific partnership this season and tipped them to get close to the 52 goals knocked in by Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole in the 1998-99 Treble-winning season.
“I expect Hernandez to score 25 and over, because he’s got something in that box,” said Fergie.
“Wayne has had a fantastic start to the season, so the capability is there. But they haven’t played a full season together yet.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wayne-Rooney-admits-he-would-love-to-captain-both-Manchester-United-and-England-article806581.html#ixzz1ZWomwUu4
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