Rooney thirsty for goals as Utd return to Europe

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney says he is thirsty for goals in the Premier League season starting on August 15, as the United squad prepare in Germany for the pre-season Audi Cup.

The Reds’ striker is relishing being even more in the spotlight now his attack partner Cristiano Ronaldo has left for Real Madrid and aims to increase his goal scoring rate above the 20 he bagged in the league last season:

“I have always said I would like to score more goals than the previous season so that is what I am aiming for again this time,” he told www.manutd.com as the team returned to Europe after their Asian tour.

“If I can do that I will be really happy,” said the 23-year-old who was among the scorers in an eight-goal romp over China’s Hanzhou Greentown on Sunday.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he has “strong options” up front going into the new Premier League season. New signing Michael Owen netted a brace in the clash against Hangzhou to add to two goals in Malaysia.

Ferguson, chasing a record fourth consecutive Premier League crown, paired Owen and Dimitar Berbatov from the start for the first time in China and both found the net in the opening period.

“We didn’t use Macheda tonight but I think it gives us strong options,” he said.

“I think that Macheda’s development obviously as we saw the other night is good for a 17-year-old boy and he’s got the physical attributes to go with it.”

With the experience of Berbatov and Owen, and the talent of Rooney, “I think we’re not too bad,” Ferguson said.

“Some of our forward play and penetration was absolutely first-class so for that reason I’ve got to be delighted,” Ferguson said after seeing veteran Ryan Giggs score a second-half hat-trick.

The United boss spoke highly of Owen, 29, signed on a free transfer earlier this month, and the experience he brings to the side.

“I think his contribution and overall play of a game is definitely suited to us. (He’s) very cool in the last third of the field. He knows when to run and when to hold his runs,” he said.

The Audi Cup also features Argentine champions Boca Juniors, AC Milan and host team Bayern Munich.

Ferguson confirmed that the squad will be joined in Germany by three reinforcements — young Irish defender Craig Cathcart, Serbian centre-back Nemanja Vidic and summer signing Antonio Valencia.