Wayne Rooney: I need more game time

Wayne Rooney insists he needs more playing time after coming on as a second half substitute for Manchester United.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says that he needs more game time as he continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea.

Rooney came on as a second half substitute during Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Swansea and, according to the Telegraph, is considering handing in a transfer request.

The England striker pointed to an injury hindered pre-season as being a reason for his lack in sharpness and thanked England manager Roy Hodgson for giving him some much needed game time against Scotland in England’s international friendly last week.

“You obviously need that sharpness,” Rooney said. “I haven’t had that many training sessions with the first team [at United] because they have been away. I might be lacking that bit of sharpness but hopefully that will come. I need to try and get a few more games in.

“You always look forward to having a good pre-season. It’s important you do that. Unfortunately I got the injury to my hamstring and then to my shoulder. It’s been disappointing but you’ve got to deal with it.

“I have been working hard on the training ground trying to get myself fit and I was just thankful to get the minutes in against Scotland. That’s thanks to the manager [Hodgson].

“I had a few painkillers for the shoulder injury [on Saturday]. It was great to have the minutes and now I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a few games.”

So far Chelsea have had two bids for the former Everton man turned down by Manchester United as David Moyes insists that the 27-year-old is not for sale. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly considering a final bid of £40 million pounds as he seeks to finalise the deal.