Rooney set 20-goal target to fire United
SIR ALEX FERGUSON backed Wayne Rooney to fire 20 goals for Manchester United this season after his solitary first-half strike put paid to brave Birmingham at Old Trafford.
The England striker got the champions up and running with a 34th minute winner from close range after seeing a header hit a post. His 99th goal for United capped a rather lethargic team display, but boss Ferguson was delighted with the winning start, while setting Rooney a goal target for the season to complement his new central striking role.
“We had some good opportunities and played some good football and in general I am satisfied with the result,” the Scot said. “Is Rooney capable of 20 plus Premier League goals? He is capable of that without question.
“You always need two or three of your strikers to get over the 20-goal mark. It has always been an advantage over the years for us and Wayne is capable of doing that.”
Rooney was partnered up front by Dimitar Berbatov, but Ferguson insisted new signing Michael Owen will get his opportunity to shine in the coming weeks.
Owen was only denied a debut goal by a fine save from Blues keeper Joe Hart and Ferguson added: “I started with Rooney and Berbatov today quite simply because they were at the club last season and were regular players and you’ve got to give them an opportunity.
“Michael will get his chances. There is no question about that.”
United fully deserved their victory but were grateful to keeper Ben Foster, who made an outstanding save to deny substitute Christian Benitez an almost certain equaliser late on.