The image of players galavanting around a luxurious pool during the summer months is something of a myth and something Manchester United can ill afford, says Wayne Rooney.
United are in the USA for a pre-season tour and while there will be certain promotional duties to attend to, Rooney is keen to impress new manager Louis van Gaal.
United play LA Galaxy in three days time before taking on AS Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, so there is little wonder Rooney is not taking it easy ahead of another gruelling season.
“Any player will tell you the most important thing for the season is to get a good pre-season under your belt and that’s what we’re all trying to do,” Rooney told MUTV.
“It’s been good meeting the manager and the new coaching staff. The first couple of training sessions have been good and everyone is looking forward to getting the games underway.”
Added to United’s main challenge this coming season – to assert themselves as title contender again – is the fact all the players have to adapt to a new mentality, a new regime under the Dutchman.
“We’ve got a new manager with different ideas – we have to train well and listen to what he wants us to do and take that onto the pitch and show him what we can do,” said Rooney.
“Of course, we all have to go out there and show what we can do and show every day in training what different qualities we have as players and a team. Everyone wants to impress a new manager and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”
United begin their title tilt on August 16 against Swansea City.
Main image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks.
