Rooney Reflects On Being United's No.10

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has recovered from illness and will be back in action for Manchester United in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Aston Villa.

The England frontman switched from wearing the No.8 shirt to the No.10 over the summer, and explained the significance of mirroring United greats like Denis Law, Mark Hughes and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

“They were all greats who scored so many goals for the club so I knew what a big number it was for me," explained the ex-Everton man.

“But that history makes wearing the shirt feel even better and also makes it more of a challenge to succeed. When Ruud left and no one took it the following season I asked if I could have the shirt.

"I had to wait a year until the new kit came out but as soon as that happened I was given it, which was great. I always keep my first shirt of every new season so I’ve got the first No.10 I wore against Chelsea in the Community Shield up at home.”

Law Legend

The jersey, incidentally, was presented to Rooney in a special ceremony by United legend Law. “He was an unbelievable player who scored so many goals for the club and for him to hand the shirt over to me was a real honour," explained Rooney. "He was a player who could score any kind of goal.”

South American Inspirations

No.10 has always been a significant number - not just at United but for football in general. One need only think of the likes of Pele, Maradona or Puskas in the past who have achieved great things with that number on their back. “It’s definitely been an important number down the years," opined Rooney.

"It’s probably more traditional in South America for the best players to wear No.10 and when you look at the players who have worn it, it feels great to have the number. I’ve watched lots of videos of Pele and you can see what a brilliant footballer he was," he continued.

"He had two great feet, was strong in the air and also a very good athlete. He’s rightly up there as one of the best players of all time.” As for Maradona, the United star went one better: “He’s the best player there’s ever been in my eyes. He had pace, great skill and an unbelievable desire to win.”

Anfield Example

But what might surprise fans is that the current No.10 that Manchester United player and Everton fan Rooney admires most is none other than former Liverpool man Michael Owen. “Michael Owen is probably the No 10 I remember watching the most," recalls the 22-year-old United frontman. "Even though he played for Liverpool, I still always enjoyed watching him.”

Fergie Salutes Enthusiasm

The striker's passion for the game has not gone unnoticed by his boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. “His enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. He is the first player in the training ground every morning," enthused Fergie. “Sometimes he has breakfast with the staff and asks a million questions. Wayne is refreshing.”