Manchester United

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney: "It's a big season for us"

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 20 July 2016

Wayne Rooney says that he is "excited" for a "big season" at Manchester United following the appointment of new manager Jose Mourinho.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has claimed that expectations are high this season following the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach, who won three Premier League titles while in charge of Chelsea, was appointed in May as a replacement for Louis van Gaal.

United failed to seal a Champions League spot last season after finishing fifth in the table, but Rooney is optimistic about the upcoming campaign, particularly because of the new recruits.

The club have signed Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while United's pursuit of Paul Pogba is ongoing.

During a sponsors event in Shanghai, Rooney told reporters: "I've only had one day [training with Mourinho] since we came out, but it was a very good day.

"I think you only have to look at the teams he's had before, and the success he's had with them, and we're hoping he can bring that to us.

"I'm excited for it. It's a big season for us. The appointment of Jose Mourinho is a big appointment for us and we're all excited by it. We've made some fantastic signings too. Hopefully we can have a good start to the season and be successful by the end of it."

United's visit to China is part of their pre-season tour.