Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has insisted that he and teammate Robin van Persie are "great friends", and that they enjoy working as a partnership on the pitch.

There were suggestions that the England international was disappointed being dropped into a deeper role last season due to Van Persie's position up front.

However, Rooney has claimed that there are no issues between the pair and both are eager for success at Old Trafford.

According to The Express, when asked if one of the strikers had seniority over the other, Rooney said: "No. I have seen things said over the summer, but Robin and me are friends off the pitch.

"There is no problem between me and Robin at all. We are great friends and we want to help each other and be successful.

"The manager has made it clear that he wants one up and one behind and, whatever way round that is, it doesn't matter to me as long as one is always filling in behind and helping out the midfield."

Rooney is believed to have been close to leaving United in the summer transfer window following approaches from Premier League rivals Chelsea.