Manchester United FC

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Rooney pledges to step up

29 Jun 2009 - 07:40:30

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Wayne Rooney believes he can step up and fill the gap created by Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez's departures from Manchester United.

The England striker has seen his two high-profile team-mates head out of Old Trafford since the season ended last month, with Ronaldo joining Real Madrid in a world record £80million deal and Tevez turning down a five-year contract.

However, Rooney believes the departures will allow him the opportunity to shine as he has often played out of position in a wide role to help accommodate all of United's attacking talent.

"We've lost two key players and obviously I hope we can get a few players in," he 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.

"I want to play in the position where I feel I'm best. 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."