• Premier League

Rooney's place not under threat - Ferguson

ESPN staff
February 1, 2011
Javier Hernandez has scored seven times for Manchester United in the Premier League this season. Wayne Rooney has two © PA Photos
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Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Wayne Rooney is set to hold off Javier Hernandez's challenge for a place in the Manchester United first-team.

While Rooney has struggled in front of goal this season, netting twice in the Premier League, Hernandez has been a revelation since joining the club last summer.

Having twice made decisive contributions in the last week by getting on the scoresheet against Blackpool and Southampton, there had been suggestions that he was set to displace Rooney.

But Ferguson has poured cold water on this talk, insisting he is happy with Rooney's all-round game. The England striker has racked up nine assists this year, helping strike partner Dimitar Berbatov to storm to the top of the scoring charts.

"Some of our critics are making a meal out of the fact that Wayne Rooney is lagging behind in the goal stakes," Ferguson told United Review. "He is, compared with the bucketload he scored last year, but I am not worried.

"It is the scoring partnership that matters and the combination between our two front men has improved beyond all recognition. Last year, Wayne benefited from Dimitar's work but this year it is Berbatov enjoying the last touch.

"If we finish the season with Berbatov scoring 30 and Wayne on 10 - and those are the targets I have in mind - I will be more than happy. That is what I call a successful strike partnership, reminiscent of Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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