Manchester United might have lost forward pair Cristiano Ronaldo
and Carlos Tevez this summer, but Wayne Rooney is vowing to step up
and fulfil his attacking potential next season in an effort to
lessen the blow.
After admitting he has not been given the chance to shine
so far at Old Trafford, Rooney believes he can compensate for the
summer exodus of attacking talent from Manchester United and ensure
the reigning Premier League Champions retain their title.
''We've lost two key players and obviously I hope we can get a
few players in,'' Rooney told The Times.
''Between them Cristiano and Carlos scored a lot of goals for us
last season and the season before, but I would like to think I'm
capable of filling that gap.
''I've said before that, if I can play in my right position, I'm
capable of doing that.''
Rooney has often been asked to operate out wide by manager Sir
Alex Ferguson since joining from Everton.
The 23-year-old is adamant that has prevented him from showing
his best form on a consistent basis, and believes the time is right
to make a permanent switch to the centre.
''I want to play in the position where I feel I'm best,'' he
said. ''A lot of people think I'm best as a centre forward.
''To play in a Champions League final and to play week in, week
out for Manchester United is a privilege and it's something I'm
very lucky to be doing, but I don't think playing on the wing I can
express myself as much as I like to.''