Wayne Rooney celebrates with Ji-Sung Park after the striker scored one of his three Manchester United goals against Seattle Sounders – a hat-trick which delighted his boss Sir Alex Ferguson
The last time Wayne Rooney was left star-struck was when he met Mike Tyson.
And the boxing fanatic insists he is ready to lead the fight as United go in search of a 20th league title.
Rooney scored a second half hat-trick in the 7-0 win against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night.
It was a heartening sight for Sir Alex Ferguson, who will be desperate for his star player to hit the ground running when United begin the defence of their Premier League crown next month.
The England striker endured a miserable spell in front of goal for the first half of last season – failing to score from open play until New Year’s Day.
But he ended the campaign on top form with 10 goals in his last 18 games, including his stunning strike in the Champions League final.
In the absence of the retired Paul Scholes, there will be even more pressure heaped on Rooney’s shoulders as Old Trafford’s talisman.
He is used to life in the limelight – revealing this week that he cannot remember the last time he went a day without being asked to sign an autograph.
He said: “Everywhere you go – whether it’s to the garage to get petrol, food shopping, someone always asks you.”
But when it comes to his own heroes, he says meeting former undisputed heavyweight king, Tyson, was an unforgettable experience.
“The last time I was star-struck was probably when I met Mike Tyson a couple of years ago,” said the 25-year-old. “He was in Manchester and I went for some food with him, which was really good.”
Rooney’s 21-minute hat-trick emphasised United’s embarrassment of riches in attack.
Ferguson also has Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to choose from, while Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda have returned from loan spells. Mame Biram Diouf also scored against Seattle – but he looks certain to leave this summer.
Ferguson was particularly relieved to see Rooney get on the scoresheet. “It is nice he scored,” said the United manager. “We are pleased for all the goalscorers, but three goals is a nice start for him.
“He has worked hard. He has done really well in training.”
Ferguson’s main dilemma will be to pick a partner for Rooney.
The striker says it is the pressure to be in United’s starting XI that is driving him on.
“We know there’s a lot of competition for places with the strikers this season,” he said.
“We all need to make sure we keep working hard and fight for the one or two places available.”
Meanwhile, United new boy Phil Jones is convinced he can force his way into the first team, despite competition from Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
The England under 21 international said: “I’m training and playing with top-class players day in and day out. I know there’s competition for places. It’s up for grabs in every position and it’s only healthy for the squad.
“I’ve got to keep training hard, working my way up. Eventually, I’ll get my chance and I’ll take it.”
The £16m signing from Blackburn revealed the first time he spoke to Ferguson on the phone.
“I was away on holiday with my girlfriend when I got a phone call from the boss saying he was interested and keen and things progressed from there.
“It was an unbelievable feeling when I picked the phone up and he says in his Scottish voice: ‘It’s Sir Alex’.
“It’s what anyone dreams of, for that phone call to happen and I’m just delighted.
“It’s just sunk in. It took a while to sink in but I’m delighted to be here. It’s a massive club, the best club in the world possibly and I’m just happy to be here.”
Jones insists his move to Old Trafford won’t change him, adding: “I wouldn’t want that to happen. I still live with my family, I’m still 19 and it’s happened at quite a young age but I’m just enjoying it.
“They keep me grounded and make sure I stay focused on my football.
“Obviously, I’m looking for a house at the moment in Manchester so I need to get a house as well at 19. It’s crazy but I suppose that’s football.”
And the boxing fanatic insists he is ready to lead the fight as United go in search of a 20th league title.
Rooney scored a second half hat-trick in the 7-0 win against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night.
It was a heartening sight for Sir Alex Ferguson, who will be desperate for his star player to hit the ground running when United begin the defence of their Premier League crown next month.
The England striker endured a miserable spell in front of goal for the first half of last season – failing to score from open play until New Year’s Day.
But he ended the campaign on top form with 10 goals in his last 18 games, including his stunning strike in the Champions League final.
In the absence of the retired Paul Scholes, there will be even more pressure heaped on Rooney’s shoulders as Old Trafford’s talisman.
He is used to life in the limelight – revealing this week that he cannot remember the last time he went a day without being asked to sign an autograph.
He said: “Everywhere you go – whether it’s to the garage to get petrol, food shopping, someone always asks you.”
But when it comes to his own heroes, he says meeting former undisputed heavyweight king, Tyson, was an unforgettable experience.
“The last time I was star-struck was probably when I met Mike Tyson a couple of years ago,” said the 25-year-old. “He was in Manchester and I went for some food with him, which was really good.”
Rooney’s 21-minute hat-trick emphasised United’s embarrassment of riches in attack.
Ferguson also has Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to choose from, while Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda have returned from loan spells. Mame Biram Diouf also scored against Seattle – but he looks certain to leave this summer.
Ferguson was particularly relieved to see Rooney get on the scoresheet. “It is nice he scored,” said the United manager. “We are pleased for all the goalscorers, but three goals is a nice start for him.
“He has worked hard. He has done really well in training.”
Ferguson’s main dilemma will be to pick a partner for Rooney.
The striker says it is the pressure to be in United’s starting XI that is driving him on.
“We know there’s a lot of competition for places with the strikers this season,” he said.
“We all need to make sure we keep working hard and fight for the one or two places available.”
Meanwhile, United new boy Phil Jones is convinced he can force his way into the first team, despite competition from Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
The England under 21 international said: “I’m training and playing with top-class players day in and day out. I know there’s competition for places. It’s up for grabs in every position and it’s only healthy for the squad.
“I’ve got to keep training hard, working my way up. Eventually, I’ll get my chance and I’ll take it.”
The £16m signing from Blackburn revealed the first time he spoke to Ferguson on the phone.
“I was away on holiday with my girlfriend when I got a phone call from the boss saying he was interested and keen and things progressed from there.
“It was an unbelievable feeling when I picked the phone up and he says in his Scottish voice: ‘It’s Sir Alex’.
“It’s what anyone dreams of, for that phone call to happen and I’m just delighted.
“It’s just sunk in. It took a while to sink in but I’m delighted to be here. It’s a massive club, the best club in the world possibly and I’m just happy to be here.”
Jones insists his move to Old Trafford won’t change him, adding: “I wouldn’t want that to happen. I still live with my family, I’m still 19 and it’s happened at quite a young age but I’m just enjoying it.
“They keep me grounded and make sure I stay focused on my football.
“Obviously, I’m looking for a house at the moment in Manchester so I need to get a house as well at 19. It’s crazy but I suppose that’s football.”
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