Get the day's biggest United stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Wayne Rooney is not yet ready to accept to a reduced role at Manchester United.

The Reds striker is 31 on Monday and reaching an age when many players understand their game-time over a season will lessen.

Rooney has lost his status as a United starter having been dropped to United's bench by manager Jose Mourinho four matches ago after his EFL Cup outing at Northampton.

His Old Trafford demotion has also been mirrored at international level for England by interim boss Gareth Southgate.

But Rooney is still in full fighting mode.

Asked if he is now a 25-match a campaign club man he retorted: “Not in my mind, maybe in other people's minds but not mine. I’m 31 next week, I’ve got a lot of football left.

“I want to play. I have to try and do my job for the team and wait for my chance and take it when I get it.

“I like to think I can play every game, but obviously it's the manger’s decision and I respect that. I will be ready when I’m needed.

“You have to have a positive attitude and that's what I have. I prepare exactly the same as if I’m starting the game. I’ll make sure I’m ready and have no excuse when I’m needed.”

“I’ve started through all my career, this is a new challenge, it is a new period, of course I want to play – I just have to keep working and get into the team and I’m sure my chances will come I know that and then it is up to me to take them.”

Despite being axed from Mourinho's starting XI Rooney still has faith that the Portuguese coach is onto something at Old Trafford.

“I think we’ll be challenging this season - we’ve still got that belief and it is even stronger after working with this manager, and the players over the last few months,” he added.

“We’ve got a fantastic squad, that is ready and capable of challenging.”