Wayne Rooney: Yes, I take inspiration from football royalty but I'll captain my own way - 7M sport

Wayne Rooney: Yes, I take inspiration from football royalty but I'll captain my own way



Posted Thursday, April 16, 2015 by Dailystar.co.uk

WAYNE ROONEY is taking inspiration from some legends of the game in a bid to become Manchester United's 'captain fantastic'.

Rooney is revelling in the role of leader for both club and country this season having been made skipper of England and United.

The Three Lions remain unbeaten in their Euro 2016 qualification campaign, while United have made it six straight league wins to climb to third in the Premier League table.

Rooney says he is desperate to stamp his own mark on the role and do things his way.

But he admits he has taken tips and advice from former colleagues like Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Roy Keane and John Terry in a bid to become the best skipper he can.

Rooney said: "You can obviously look how people have done it before you.

Wayne Rooney: Yes, I take inspiration from football royalty but I'll captain my own way
ROO BEAUTY: Wayne is taking inspiration from United's greats

"There are different styles and different ways other people have done it, but I have to be my own person and do what I feel is the best way for me to captain the team. That is all I try to do.

"Ryan Giggs wasn't captain here full-time in my time at United, but the things he's done have been a big help and are still now.

"There were also leaders like Roy Keane, Gary Neville and David Beckham. There was Steven Gerrard and John Terry who were fantastic captains.

"You can't say 'I want to be like him' or 'I want to be like someone else'. You have to do it your own way."

Rooney gave a rousing speech to his squad following last month's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal and it inspired United to go on a stunning run of six straight wins that has included triumphs over Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Rooney admits his Churchillian effort was all off-the-cuff - just like his wedding speech!

He added: "I didn't even write anything down for my wedding!

"There are though obviously times when you have to speak up. I did that before the Tottenham game because I felt I had to.

"We had had a bad defeat in the FA Cup against Arsenal and I just wanted to reiterate to the players what our targets were for the remaining games of the season.

"The players responded to that and we have had some good results. The team spirit in the dressing room is fantastic.

"The players have responded, but it is not just down to me. It's reacting to the manager as well and his way of playing.

"There have been changes on the training ground, a lot different to what we have been used to and in particular for the players who have been here a long time. It is different to what we have done before. But it is starting to click with us."



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