Rooney: Owen Arrival Means I Get My Position Back

Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen were both on the scoresheet as Manchester United beat a Malaysian XI 3-2.

Rooney has acknowledged the criticism levelled at Owen but reckons it’s completely unfounded, with our new striker looking sharp in training.

“Over the last couple of years Michael has had some criticism but it would have been difficult for any player to score in the Newcastle team he was in last season,” said Rooney. “He looked really sharp in training. He is working very hard and you could see by the way all the lads celebrated with him how pleased they were for him when he scored. This move will give him a new lease of life.”

Rooney has other reasons to be happy though as a partnership between him and Owen would likely mean Rooney playing in his favoured role behind the main striker, rather than out wide where he had played a lot last season.

“We haven’t spoken about it but I am sure that is where I’ll play,” added Rooney of the central role. “Everyone knows it’s my best position. I enjoy it more than being out on the flanks – it’s less work and you get more chances to score. As a forward that’s what you want.”