Manchester United great Wayne Rooney vows to keep banging in the goals in his old age ahead of Everton testimonial
Old Trafford skipper to continue in attack under Jose Mourinho as he marks 12 year spell against old club
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WAYNE ROONEY wants to become Manchester United’s elder statesman — and stay until he is at least 36.
The England striker will mark 12 years at United with a testimonial against former club Everton at Old Trafford tomorrow.
That spell has left Rooney, 30, with a haul of silverware that includes Champions League and Club World Cup medals, five Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup-winner’s medal from last season.
But May’s Wembley success marked the only trophy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era — after three frustrating terms under David Moyes and then Louis van Gaal.
Yet Rooney is now targeting six more trophy-laden seasons — taking him to 20 as a professional — following boss Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford.
He said: “When you play as a kid you don’t really think about success, you just want to play.
“It’s when you start playing professionally that you realise what your goals are and what your ambitions are — and that is to win trophies.
“I have done that with Manchester United but I want to win more. I’ve still got a good few years left in me.
“So hopefully I can do that and still be here after 20 seasons, talking about more trophies we have won.
“Time flies, it’s gone quick. I’ve enjoyed it, the highs and the lows, so hopefully the 15th season can be successful.
“Football now is changing. Of course you have to look after yourself and make sure you are fit to be playing games — and I want to continue to do that and keep going.”
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But Rooney already has one eye on his future — and plans a move into management when he finally quits playing.
He said: “With the experience I’ve had, it would be a shame to just let that go and not have any input.
“So currently I’m working on my badges and hopefully in the next few years I’ll have them done.
“When I’ve finished playing, hopefully someone will give me a chance and I can be successful in that.”
After ending last season in midfield, Rooney has been told his future is up front.
Mourinho has made it clear he wants his captain to boost his haul of 245 United goals.
Rooney, whose tally leaves him four short of club record-holder Sir Bobby Charlton, said: “The new manager wants me playing closer to goal. I’m looking forward to it.”
PROCEEDS from the testimonial will be distributed through the Wayne Rooney Foundation to four charity partners – the NSPCC, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the Manchester United Foundation.
Donations can be made at