Rooney insists he wasn’t out of shape at the start of the season

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: (EMBARGO 11PM 9-10-2012) Wayne Rooney of England speaks to the media during a press conference at St Georges Park on October 9, 2012 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney insisted earlier that he wasn’t unfit at the start of the season, but has admitted that the time he took to recover from his leg injury at the start of the season has helped him get fitter. United lost to Everton in their opening game of the season, and Rooney was heavily criticised in the aftermath by Reds alike for looking out of shape and unfit. Following his injury against Fulham just a few days later, Rooney was on the sidelines for a few weeks but has comeback looking sharper and fitter, and has therefore become more effective.

“When I came back in pre-season I wasn’t out of shape,” Rooney told reporters while on international duty. “I was probably not as fit as I could have been, whether that’s because I didn’t have the time to get the training in I don’t know. I got injured since but I have worked hard. To be honest it probably helped me to get fit getting injured. I feel good, I feel fit, I feel ready to go and play.”

Since returning, Rooney has played a deeper attacking midfield role, as opposed to a proper forward and had the following to say on his new role: “It is physically demanding. You are involved in the game and it is obviously demanding, getting up and down. Obviously playing up front you get more opportunities to score goals but as a footballer you want to play football. You are involved and you’re on the ball, so I enjoy it.”