Interview: Wayne Rooney

 

To mark the launch of United's new local language website in Japan,  Wayne Rooney spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com during the opening leg of the Reds' Asia tour...

The Reds' striker is looking forward to the start of the new campaign and feels the club's summer signings have turned the current squad into the strongest he's known during his United career...

It’s your second Asia Tour with United, what do you make of the level of support out here?
It's amazing to see the fans out here. The reception we got at the airport was unbelievable. The tour is a great experience for all the players.

What have you made of the tour so far?
It's been good. We want to win all the games but the most important thing about it is getting your fitness up so you're ready for the start of the season.

How much have you enjoyed your second visit to Tokyo?
Very much, it's a great city. Last time I was here [in 2005] we had an afternoon off and I went shopping which was great. It's somewhere I've really enjoyed visiting.

How much are you looking forward to the new season – is there a different feel to it because you’re starting it as champions?
I don't think there is any more pressure on us because we won the league last season, it's just the same as always. We're just concentrating on getting fit for the start of the new campaign. The mood is really good in the squad and hopefully we can do well again and try to win the title again.

How excited are you by the new signings – what have you made of them so far in training?
All the players are excited by their arrival. I know all about Owen Hargreaves from our time with England. You know what you're going to get with Owen -  he's a top player and a good lad. I haven't seen too much of Nani and Anderson although I played against Anderson in a friendly once. Nani hasn't been able to train yet but I'm sure both of them will do really well for us.

How much will you relish playing alongside Carlos Tevez should he sign?
It would be great. Hopefully things will get sorted soon. He did brilliantly for West Ham last season and I think he would be a great signing for us.

You netted 23 goals last season – your best campaign to date – is the aim to hit 30?
I was pleased with my return last season and I want to continue doing my best. I don't set myself targets but I'll certainly be looking to do even better than I did last season. I haven't got any bets with the manager, but hopefully I can score more goals than last year.

The title was the priority last season. Is it the same again this year or does Europe take on greater importance especially having gone so close last time?
I'm not sure. To be honest I'd take any trophy at the start of the season. The Premier League is the competition you play in week in, week out. For me, it's more important. Nevertheless, the Champions League is a massive tournament and I'd love to win it. The Milan away game still niggles. We know we can play a lot better. It was particularly disappointing to get knocked out having gone into the game with a lead. Hopefully we can do well again throughout the whole campaign especially in the Champions League.

Is the squad the strongest you've ever known it during your time here?
Yes, definitely. There are more players and better quality players as well. There's a good mix of youth and experience which is great for the team. It's definitely the strongest squad I've been involved in.

There will obviously be lots of competition for places next season...
It will be huge given the amount of players in the squad. Everyone is going to have to be on top of their game and try their best to get into the team.