Wayne Rooney admits he is under pressure at Manchester United as new arrivals check in to Old Trafford
Roo expects fierce competition for places now Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are on board
WAYNE ROONEY admits his Manchester United place is under pressure following the arrival of a host of star names.
Defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all arrived at Old Trafford – and Juventus superstar Paul Pogba could be on the way.
United skipper Rooney accepts he will need to be at his best to stay in Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Rooney, in Shanghai for United’s pre-season China tour, said: “You always feel you have to prove yourself every season, because it’s a dream to play for them. I think you always feel pressure when you play for Manchester United.
“It’s one of the biggest – if not the biggest – clubs in the world and it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to play for them for so long.
“The appointment of Jose Mourinho is a big appointment for us and we’re all excited by it.
“We’ve made some fantastic signings, too. Hopefully, we can have a good start to the season and be successful by the end of it.”
Rooney, 30, has only just begun pre-season training following his involvement with England at the Euros but can’t wait to really get cracking under Mourinho.
And he is counting on the former Chelsea boss maintaining his track record of leading clubs to immediate success.
Since the retirement in 2013 of Sir Alex Ferguson, who won more than 30 trophies during his 26-year spell, United have managed to add just one to their haul – the FA Cup last season – and in the process sacked two managers in David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
Added Rooney: “I’ve only had one day since we came out, but it was a very good day.
“But I think you only have to look at the teams he’s had before, and the success he’s had with them, and we’re hoping he can bring that to us.
“I’m excited for it. It’s a big season for us.”