Ferguson tips Rooney for haul

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Wayne Rooney to break the 20-goal barrier this season after he grabbed the only goal against Birmingham. Rooney fired home after his header had come back off the post as the champions began the campaign with a win. "He took it very well," said Ferguson. "It was a good header to start with and he was very quick to get to the rebound. He reacted in the right way and it gets him on the road to what we hope will be a very significant total for us this season." Rooney's contribution this season will be crucial because United have to find some way of making up the 30 goals Cristiano Ronaldo has regularly contributed on an annual basis. "If you have two or three strikers who can get you 20 it stands you in good stead." said Ferguson. "Wayne Rooney is well capable of that."