Rooney likens Mourinho to Ferguson

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has likened Jose Mourinho to Sir Alex Ferguson, saying both are "managers who you want to play under".

Rooney, who says he joined United from Everton as an 18-year-old in 2004 to work under Ferguson, believes there is a similar aura around Mourinho.

United have struggled since Ferguson retired in 2013, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal both proving disappointments in the United hot seat, but Rooney says the Portuguese can help revitalise the club and the squad.

"I came to Manchester United because I wanted to work under Alex Ferguson and then in the latter years [with] what Mourinho has done in football, in Spain and Italy and England, he is a manager who you want to play under," Rooney said.

"He is one of the best around and to learn from what he brings it’s going to be exciting for me to try and learn under a manager such as himself."

Rooney is looking forward to returning to his favoured 'No 10' role this year, after playing the second half of last season in midfield under van Gaal.

"It’s almost like a free role and I am excited to play it," the 30-year-old said.

"He said to me about playing 'No 10'. That is something I’ve now got to work on and get myself in the right position to score goals. I have scored goals all through my career and I have no doubt in my goalscoring ability. Hopefully I can do that this season.

"I like to be involved in the game and I am now playing for Jose who, straight away, has no fears about players coming deep if they want to. It’s a different way of playing, a different manager, different ideas and if I can bring my game and qualities to this team, then I know I can create chances and score goals."

Rooney also confirmed that he intends to keep playing for England. and welcomed the FA's appointment of Sam Allardyce as the new England boss.

The 61-year-old signed an incentivised two-year deal worth up to £3.5m a year on Friday, after the FA agreed a compensation deal with Sunderland.

"I think it’s a good appointment," Rooney said.

"He will probably bring a different way of playing to England and hopefully it’s a good way and we can be successful under him."