Rooney: Winning mentality is back

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes that Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford has restored the club’s winning mentality.

After a couple of fallow seasons under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal which saw just one trophy – the FA Cup – added to the honour roll, Rooney believes that the drive to succeed that was there under Alex Ferguson is finally back with Mourinho’s arrival.

The Portuguese has 17 major trophies to his credit including eight league titles in four countries and two Champions Leagues – one with Porto and the other with Inter Milan.

"It's always great to get a new manager but when you get someone in the stature of Jose Mourinho he's great to work under and he's brought a winning mentality back to the club," Rooney said.

"Manchester United as a football club we have to win and we have to deliver for him.

"There's pressure on the players but we're ready and I think this season we'll give a real challenge on all fronts.

"He's come in, he's been great with the players. The training has been hard but enjoyable.

"We're ready, we're working hard. We know it's a big season for us.

"He's made, in my opinion, some great signings who have gelled in really well with the squad so it's exciting times."

Rooney also revealed that he is taking his coaching badges as he looks to life beyond his playing days.

"I've started taking my coaching badges now so that will probably take about four or five years to complete," he added.

"Of course I've got a lot of experience playing football so I think it would be criminal If I didn't try and pass that knowledge on so hopefully when I finish playing I can get some role as a manager or coach and try and use the experience I've built up over the years."

Setanta Sports is now eir Sport.We have 6 great channels of live sport including eir Sport 1 & 2 and all 4 BT Sport channels. The eir Sport pack is free to all eir broadband customers.To learn more about setting sport free visit www.eir.ie/sport.