I know I’ve not been good enough, says Wayne Rooney after grim start to new season

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has admitted that his performances to date this season have not been up to scratch, but he is confident the goals will start flowing soon.

With Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao having left Old Trafford during the close season and Javier Hernandez out of favour, Rooney has started the season as the lone striker in manager Louis van Gaal’s 4-2-3-1 system.

“I’ve had one bad game this season and everyone’s all over it,” Rooney told reporters after United’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the home leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday.

“I know, I’ve had that throughout my career, but hopefully at the weekend I can get off the mark.

“I’m an honest guy. I know when I don’t play well and against Aston Villa (where United won 1-0 on Friday) I was below my standards. I know that.

“I thought I had a good game tonight (Tuesday), could have had a goal or two, but that’s football.”

He added: “It’s early on in the season. Three games in, it’s time for me to keep going. I’ve experienced this before and the goals will come. I know that.”