Wayne Rooney has said that he is ready to take on a leadership role at Manchester United this season.

The England international, who has scored nine goals in five appearances this league campaign, has been tipped by his manager to take a step up this year, assuming greater responsibility and becoming a leader himself.

The 25-year-old has said that he is ready to do so.

"It's obviously great for the manager to say that," said Rooney. "But I feel like I've always trained the same, always worked hard and played the same on the pitch.

"If I'm not happy with something, I let it be known, so I think it's good for the younger players to see that and to know that you still care and still want to win.

"Obviously we've got a lot of young players in the team. Players will come in and look at you, see what you're doing and how you are on the training pitch and on the pitch."

Rooney has made 222 league appearances for United since joining from Everton in 2004.