Wayne Rooney has admitted that his starting place at Manchester United is under pressure following the arrival of big attacking names at the club.
Jose Mourinho has already signed attacking duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, alongside defender Eric Bailly since his appointment at the Old Trafford outfit in May.
And club skipper Rooney insists that he will have to prove himself all over again under Mourinho to claim his starting birth at Man Utd.
Rooney, who joined the Red Devils’ squad for their pre-season tour in China, 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.”
Mourinho, however, remains a known-admirer of the 30-year-old striker and even made attempts to sign him for Chelsea in 2013 after the player’s relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson deteriorated.
The Portuguese coach has revealed that Rooney will not operate in midfield under him, who is hoping to see Mourinho bring great success to the club after two unsuccessful managerial spells since the retirement of club great Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I’ve only had one day (training with Mourinho) since we came out, but it was a very good day,” said the England International.
“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.”
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