ROONEY KNOWS HE ISN'T NUMBER ONE

Last updated : 04 September 2004 By Editor
Wayne Rooney has said that he is ready for the fight of his life just to get into the United starting line up.

"This will be the biggest battle I have ever faced," said Rooney. "It's going to be tough because Ruud, Alan and Louis are all top players.

"It will be difficult to get in and difficult to keep your place as well. If you have one bad game you could be out. You have to be on top of your game.

"I think it will be more difficult holding on to your place possibly than for England.

"With England you are only playing once a month, if that, but here at United it will be non-stop. You can't afford to let your form slip.

"With four international strikers here fighting for two places you have to take your chance when it comes along.

"I know the United fans are going to be expecting a lot from me. But I believe I
am capable of giving them what they want.

"I don't have any fears about the challenge. Playing for England has helped me
to cope with all this. The pressures are similar."