Wayne Rooney has set himself a “20 or more goals” goal target for the new season as he prepares to resume his preferred role as Manchester United’s primary striker.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney was largely deployed as a midfielder by manager Louis van Gaal for the majority of last season.
But, the manager has now suggested he is planning to play the English striker in a central striking role in the upcoming campaign and the player has set high goals for himself.
Rooney targets 20 or more goals
In each of the two previous campaigns when Rooney was the sole focal point of the attack, in 2011-12 and 2009-10 seasons, he scored 34 times in all competitions.
The 29-year-old is hoping to emulate the tally: a That was the last time I really played the full season as a striker. All the other seasons I have been up front, then in midfield or out wide so hopefully if I stay up front then I can get near that again.
a I have no doubts in myself. I have no doubts that I can do that again and I am ready to take on that mantle again and be the one who gets the goals for this team.a
a I am ready for the season.I hope to score 20 or more goals again. If I am playing as a striker then I will be disappointed if I cannot do that again. I am excited a it is a big season for us. We have the quality to make sure we get back into the Champions League.a
Manchester United all time top goalscoring record draws closer
Rooney has scored 230 goals for Manchester United in total, and is only behind Sir Bobby Charlton, who holds the club record with 249 and Denis Law, who scored 237 in the all time scorer list.
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a It is where I like and I am sure it is where I will play,a he said. a It is obviously on me then to score the goals. It is where the manager and myself see my best position. Hopefully I can get a good run of games and repay the manager and score goals for the team. I have played different roles over the years for United but you only have to look when I play for England as a striker a I score goals.”
Well, it is hard to disagree with Rooney given his England record of 48 goals in 105 games and 34 goals in all competition in the two seasons he has played as the focal point of attack for Manchester United.