Wednesday 12 March 2014

Rooney thanks Facebook fans - Video

Rooney proud to be a leader

Wayne Rooney has revealed he would jump at the chance to be a future Manchester United captain and admits he enjoys being one of the Reds' senior squad members.

In an exclusive interview with April's Inside United magazine, the striker discussed his role in the side and increased responsibility as he prepares to mark a decade at Old Trafford in August. With Nemanja Vidic leaving for Inter Milan in the summer, there has been speculation that David Moyes could consider the no.10 as a long-term candidate for the armband.



Although keen to stress the manager has a number of options, Rooney admits it is an honour he would relish if the opportunity to skipper the club arose.

"I've done it a few times and, if the manager wants me to be the captain, I would have no problem with that," he explained. "I would take it with both hands. However, it is down to the manager, because it's his decision on whoever he feels is the right person to lead the team. I'm sure he'll make that decision when the time comes.

"I think, whether you've got the armband or not, I always feel I'm quite vocal on the pitch. I try to help the players when I feel I can and say what I think. I believe that's the most important thing, to be honest and say what you feel. If you say what you believe are the right things, you need to keep doing that."

Rooney is already acting as a role model to some of the younger players and revealed he is keen to assist Adnan Januzaj with his development.

"I've stayed out after training with Adnan a few times," he added. "Even just working on free-kicks and crossing. It actually benefits me as well and it benefits him.

"I am trying to help him get better and better, which I feel he is doing, and I think young players need to practise all the time, especially coming into the side. Senior players also need to keep practising to stay on top of their game so it works for both of us."

Utd vs Liverpool - Pictures

By far the most dominant clubs in English football over the past half century have been Manchester United and Liverpool, with the Merseysiders enjoying a hugely successful period in the 1970s and 1980s, and United reigning supreme over the last two decades.

Ahead of the latest meeting of the great north-west rivals this weekend, here are some pictures from previous matches between United and Liverpool.