Wayne Rooney (Photo : Reuters.com)
English footballer and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes that he can be the Red Devils' all-time top scorer, and he can do it this coming season.
Rooney said once he sets the record in the next season, he wants the younger generation of United players to "quickly" surpass it. He hopes that the near 50-year-wait before beating the prior record set by Sir Bobby Charlton will not be repeated.
"I have played different roles over the years for United but you only have to look when I play for England as a striker I score goals. I am ready for the season," said Rooney.
"I hope to score 20 or more goals again. If I am playing as a striker then I will be disappointed if I cannot do that again," he noted.
Rooney recorded his career best of 35 goals during the 2011-12 campaign with the Devils.
"That was the last time I really played the full season as a striker," he told Telegraph.
"All the other seasons I have been up front, then in midfield or out wide so hopefully if I stay up front then I can get near that again," said the legend. Rooney added that he has no doubts in himself. "I have no doubts that I can do that again and I am ready to take on that mantle again and be the one who gets the goals for this team," he added.
Manchester Evening News reported that the Reds captain is to be released by manager Louis van Gaal to chase the record set by Sir Charlton and Denis Law.
The two players from the 60s occupy the top two positions in Old Trafford's goalscoring greats list.
Rooney is sitting close in the third spot. He needs to make eight more to outscore Law, and 20 to topple the 1968 Euro Cup winner Sir Charlton.
