Rooney eyes top fitness

Wayne Rooney: Manchester United striker gearing up for the new season ahead

Wayne Rooney is aiming to be at peak fitness for Manchester United at the start of the Premier League season.

The 26-year-old was United's leading marksmen last year with 35 goals in all competitions, and he will once again want to display his striking talents in the coming season.

Due to Rooney's involvement with England at the European Championship this summer, he returned to pre-season training later than some of his team-mates.

United have played several games so far this season but the former Everton youngster insists results do not matter at this stage after playing in his first game against Valerenga on Sunday.

"What's important is the fitness and the sharpness," Rooney told the club's official website.

"I'm happy with how I'm doing. I've been training for almost two weeks and I've been working hard. Everything's going well so far.

"I feel good. I played two games in the summer and I played against Valerenga.

"Everybody needs games to get up to match fitness - not just me. I'm training well, though, and I'm looking forward to the next few games.

"Hopefully, by the start of the season, I'll be ready to play."