Rooney targets more silverware

16 July 2011 08:00

Wayne Rooney is intent on creating more history for Manchester United.

Depending on the angle you take, this summer was a time for sober reflection at Old Trafford after a chastening Champions League final defeat to Barcelona or celebration at a record 19th league title triumph. Yet, according to Rooney, all such considerations should now be dismissed.

"You need to look forward rather than look back," he told ESPN. "It is something this club breeds into you. The feeling you get from winning trophies is incredible. But we are expected to win trophies. We need to try to create more history for the club."

Rooney has no worries that United, already a game into a five-match pre-season tour of the United States, will be achieved. Indeed, the England striker is adamant glory will continue to be a staple diet at Old Trafford as long as Sir Alex Ferguson remains in charge.

Ferguson celebrates his 25th anniversary as United boss later this year. Rooney can detect no lessening of his desire as the years go by.

"While he is here, we'll always be in the hunt to win trophies," he said, insisting that 3-1 defeat against Barca at Wembley in May should not trigger an inferiority complex. "Obviously, they were a lot better than us on the day," Rooney said.

"But over the last four years, we have been to three finals. We are not that far away. If we just give it an extra five percent and try to improve that much, then I think we'll be all right."

Fellow striker Michael Owen certainly thinks so, dismissing at a stroke any notion that his burgeoning racing empire - which brought him a Royal Ascot victory in the summer - may be dampening his own quest for honours.

"That [horse racing] will never be my career," said Owen, who signed a new one-year contract this summer. "It's just a big passion of mine. It will always be there in the background, but football is my main passion and everyone knows that.

"I'd like to think that if I stop playing in three, four or five years' time, whatever it may be, that I'll still be involved in football and still have that as my profession. It's my passion and what I know."

Source: PA