WAYNE Rooney hopes he can follow the example of Paul Scholes and score in consecutive matches after ending his long goal drought for United.
The 21-year-old England striker had not scored since the Reds beat Fulham on the opening weekend of the season until he blasted a hat-trick against Bolton on Saturday.
Scholes scored in each of United's games prior to the 4-0 thrashing of Bolton, having not previously found the target since Boxing Day 2005.
"There were a lot of people talking about my form and how I wasn't scoring goals but if you ask anyone who knows me I'm not too concerned about getting goals as long as the team is doing well," said Rooney as United prepared to face FC Copenhagen in Denmark tomorrow.
Poised
"You've seen with Scholesy, you score once then more goals come, and hopefully that can continue for me."
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson won't let up on United's 100 per cent Champions League start, even though the Reds are poised to secure early qualification.
The United boss is determined the impetus of two big Premiership wins against Liverpool and Bolton won't be lost in Denmark tomorrow night.
After last season's Euro flop, United have responded by topping Group F with nine points from three matches. A United win would seal their passport to the February knockouts.
"We want to try and win the group. We want to keep the form right. I will keep playing my strongest team. We will definitely be going for a win," said Sir Alex.
Do you think Rooney will continue his scoring streak? Have your say.
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Saha is not playing.Rooney will probably be our main striker.Yes,I think he'll score but the win is the thing.One of Rooney's best qualities is his unselfish play.If he feels the best thing to do is shoot he will.If he thinks it's better to pass he'll do that.This ethic seems to be spreading thru the squad,which can only be good for UNITED.
We used to seal qualification by knocking in 4 or 5 home and away against the weak team in the group, until SAF started to treat these games like the Carling cup. The fact that SAF is saying that he'll be playing his strongest team, like we've been saying he should for years, is a good indication that he means business, and maybe has become a little less arrogant and condescending!
I have to agree with Frank that I'm much happier now that Fergie seems to be putting his "tinkerbell" days behind him. A bit harsh to say that was due to arrogance, more likely due to his obsession with winning the CL and a theory that resting players was the key. Still, if I'm not mistaken, Frank seems to be getting slowly won over by the great man again, so let's not rush things. One step at a time, eh? ;)
Mick/Frank, maybe the tinkering was partly down to the fact that SAF didn't feel he had the players to play all-guns-blazing 442? Anyhow, it is exciting at the moment and long may it continue. One thing though, did anyone notice that Rooney ran over to the bench after his first goal on Saturday to high-five one someone? Who was that? SAF was in the stand so I'm guessing it was the much-maligned Quieroz - could that be right? Certainly, Rooney seemed to me to be making a point of sort of acknowledging the coaching staff's role in his return to form.
alias one thing for sure we dont have the players to play 451 either just look at the stats for the last 4 seasons and in particular in europe. if we are to progress we must always play to our strengths and that is certainly fast attacking football
Alias: Maybe it wasn't a high five and he was slapping Q in the face ;-)
Nice one, Chris!!!
Alias, don't try defending Quieroz now!!!
I'm not sure Rooney gets enough credit during his barren spell for the impact of his industry upon the emerging standard and pattern of play by United. I think Rooney rose to the occasion beautifully as captain in the FCK game and has functionally assumed the same role in games since. That game seemed to be a turning point for him and, for the sake of vain comparisons, it'll be interesting to see whether he can continue this apparent renaissance in Copenhagen on Wednesday. This season, Wayne Rooney has been an object lesson in how to inspire others with astonishing commitment. There isn't a forward in the EPL with even close to the same combination of ability, strength, pace and grit as Rooney. He has quickly earned a rightful claim as heir to the captaincy and I wager when Gary Neville steps down he'll have made a better case for himself than Rio. I don't share negative comments about the liability of Rooney's personality. Are you kidding? No more so than Roy Keane. Rooney is smart and shows evidence of learning and maturation. He applies himself well and is surrounded by good people. A lot of credit goes to United for his development and the channeling of his talent. The man-boy is now the man. His aspirations and ambitions are well-documented and he seems to have his sights firmly fixed on the prize. His attitude on the field this season clearly shows he believes he can make a major difference. Like good leaders, Rooney will naturally take control simply because he, in particular, doesn't need an invitation.
stu, I wasn't going to try that but I will say that I really have no idea whether he is a good, bad or indifferent coach. SAF has ultimately responsibility for team affairs and if the team are underperforming and producing boring dross, it is ultimately down to him, not his assistant. Also, if Quieroz really is as poor as many fans think then SAF should have recognised that and got rid, not to mind re-employed him after he'd left once! I was just curious as to whether he has the respect of the players and whether Rooney WAS making an effort to celebrate with him.
Alias, all true, but I believe nonetheless that CQ was given a huge amount of power by Fergie and that the 4-5-1 idea was, whilst SAF's originally, driven forward by CQ. Fergie's instinct, at Aberdeen and for 18 years at OT before CQ, was to attack with width and pace. The change to slow, patient, "clever" rubbish was too drastic and coincided with CQ's appointment - not coincidental in my book. He's clearly being groomed by SAF as a successor which I think is an appalling idea.
WOW!AT THIS RATE HE'LL GET AT LEAST 6!!TOTALLY OVERATED NEVER DOES IT IN THE BIG GAMES,U KNOW IT'S RIGHT!!!!