Wayne Rooney: Manchester United are copying Barcelona
Posted Saturday, October 01, 2011 by The Sun
READY ... Roo is set for return
"They win it back so many times in the opponents' half and attack from there, so we've started trying to bring that into our game and thankfully that's started paying off for us."
That, combined with a new energy in the team from the influx of young players, could do for Barca if they meet again in this season's competition.
Rooney said: "I think with the younger players coming in we've realised there's a lot of energy in the team.
"If we keep the ball moving quickly and have quick one-twos around the box — and when we lose the ball we defend from the front really quick and put the teams under pressure — then we can maybe nick the ball back off them close to their goal. That's what we've done and worked on and thankfully that's paid off for us."
With Sir Alex Ferguson guiding it all, Rooney knows anything is possible.
Asked what three words summed up the boss, he said: "Winner, desire and fearsome."
Next month, Ferguson celebrates 25 years in charge at Old Trafford.
Rooney was just a year old when the Scot walked through the doors of the famous old stadium.
The England star said: "It's unbelievable what he's done for the football club and the turnaround since I've been there is massive.
"From when he took over in '86 it's incredible what he's achieved at the club and the desire he has, still now, is frightening."
One man who has been involved with the United side even longer than Ferguson is club legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
A man who still takes time to give Rooney the odd tip, even if it helps the striker beat his own all-time goalscoring record in a United shirt.
Charlton has 249 while Rooney is eighth on the club's all-time list with 156.
Speaking at a launch event for FIFA 12, Rooney said: "It's still a long way away of course, but obviously it's something which would be great if I could do that.
"The goals he's scored are incredible, so if I could manage somewhere near that or maybe beat it then that would be a great feeling.
"We see him all the time, at every game, and he flies out to games on the plane with us and flies back from games, and comes in the dressing room after every game . . . but I don't talk to him about beating his record!
"He always comes in and gives you advice and he's certainly someone who I listen to — and a lot of people listen to."
While Rooney is the undoubted No 1 up front for United, there are plenty of strike partners for Ferguson to choose for him.
Javier Hernandez is the favoured choice, but Danny Welbeck has been a hit so far this season and Michael Owen showed he has not lost it with his brace at Leeds.
And do not forget £31million man Dimitar Berbatov still lurks in the wings.
Rooney, 25, said: "I think everyone offers something a bit different.
"Obviously Hernandez stays really high and looks to run in behind and that creates a lot more space for me in behind the opposition midfield.
"Michael Owen varies up really, he plays high or he comes shorter depending on who he's playing with, and Berbatov likes to play a bit deeper and try and get on the ball which means I have to play a bit higher.
"I think me and Welbeck sort of switch it up and one stays high and the other plays deep to try and change it round, so there's great options for the manager."
The composure and movement of veteran goalscorer Owen is something Rooney really admires.
He said: "His movement in the box is great and great to see — and his finishing.
"It's so important to stay composed when you get an opportunity and he's one of the best around at that."
There is plenty to admire in the striking department just down the road from United at Manchester City — not least in their new signing Sergio Aguero.
Rooney said: "Yeah, he's done fantastic, he's scored lots of goals at the start of the season.
"With players who have come over in the past, sometimes it takes them a while to settle in. But he seems to have done that really quickly and he's playing some great football."
Rooney laughs at the suggestion that it could be between the pair of them in a local battle for this season's Golden Boot.
He said: "I don't know, to be honest. It's not something I really look at and think about.
"If I was to win that then obviously I'd be delighted, but I'm sure we'll look at that come April, May, and take it from there."
Rooney does, however, see the City team as major rivals for the title this season.
The two clubs are locked on 16 points at the top of the Premier League table with Chelsea breathing down their necks.
Rooney said: "They're obviously rivals and they'll be challenging for the league, there's no doubt about that.
"I think between them and Chelsea they'll be our two closest rivals and just behind them maybe Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.
"But it's going to be a tough league and everyone will be going for that first place, so we need to make sure we stay on our toes."
Photos
More»
Meet Arsenal and Tottenham's breathtaking hot WAGs
Monday April 29 2024
Ryan Garcia held hands with stunning model
Monday April 29 2024
World’s most daring Wag goes naked in risque picture
Sunday April 28 2024
Your Say