Rooney sets goals target

United favourite wants to help take burden off Ronaldo

Last updated: 1st July 2008

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Aware that Manchester United could be shorn of Cristiano Ronaldo's services next season, Wayne Rooney has set himself the target of improving his goals return.

With speculation over Ronaldo's future refusing to be quelled, United's attacking thrust could fall even more squarely on the shoulders of Old Trafford favourite Rooney next season.

The England international, currently enjoying his honeymoon in Las Vegas, has nothing but praise for his Portuguese team-mate, who scored a remarkable 42 goals last term.

Rooney chipped in with a respectable 18 goals of his own but at one point had to endure a barren run of just three in 12 appearances; and it is not an experience he is keen to repeat.

Citing Ronaldo's phenomenal consistency in front of goal, Rooney claims he cannot but be inspired by the freescoring wide man.

"Cristiano is unbelievable," he said in the Manchester Evening News. "What he's done for United in the last two years is brilliant.

"Playing alongside him makes you work hard. You always want to be the best and I think I can score a few more goals."