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Rooney: I need more game time

Wayne Rooney came on for Ryan Giggs at Swansea and played 28 minutes © Getty Images

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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney insists he must get more game time at his club as speculation surrounding a move to Chelsea mounts.

Rooney, a second-half substitute in United's 4-1 season-opening win over Swansea, is considering handing in a transfer request in order to push through a Stamford Bridge switch, according to The Telegraph.

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He would not be drawn on speculation over his future, but Rooney did pointedly thank national team manager Roy Hodgson for having faith in his return from pre-season injuries, hinting that the relationship between he and United manager David Moyes remains an unresolved issue.

"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."

Chelsea have seen two offers for Rooney rejected and continue to push for the move, despite Moyes declaring the 27-year-old is not for sale. It is reported Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is considering one final bid of £40 million to conclude the matter.

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