Wayne Rooney: Man Utd striker says 'the goals will come'
Last updated on .From the section Football
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney says the "goals will come" after criticism of his start to the season.
Rooney, 29, has played as the main striker in his side's opening games.
But he is yet to find the net, and some have doubted his credentials as an out-and-out goalscorer.
"I've had one bad game this season and everyone's all over it. I've had that throughout my career but hopefully at the weekend I can get off the mark," said the England captain.
"It's early on in the season - we're just three games in. I've experienced this criticism before and the goals will come, I know that.
"I understand I have to be the one who's going to lead that line for us and try and find the goals for us."
| Wayne Rooney goals in last five seasons | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals |
| 2014-15 | 37 | 14 |
| 2013-14 | 40 | 19 |
| 2012-13 | 37 | 16 |
| 2011-12 | 43 | 34 |
| 2010-11 | 40 | 16 |
United boss Louis van Gaal let forwards Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao leave the club in the summer, leaving Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson as his three main striking options.
Rooney played most of last season in a deeper midfield role but in July Van Gaal revealed he wanted Rooney to play as his main striker this year - a role he last played in 2011-12, scoring 34 goals.
Memphis Depay, the £31m summer signing, can also play a forward role.
The Dutchman struck two goals in the Old Trafford side's 3-1 Champions League win over Club Brugge on Tuesday.
And Rooney said: "It's important that we all chip in."
He added: "I'm an honest guy. I know when I don't play well and against Aston Villa I was below my standards.
"My mind is clear. I know how to play the role. It's just a case of getting the chances and taking them, which I'm hopefully going to do soon."
Rooney is expected to play as the main striker when Manchester United face Newcastle United on Saturday.