Football
Arindam Rej, Man United Correspondent 8y

Wayne Rooney: Winning start 'important' ahead of Manchester derby

Wayne Rooney has said that Manchester United putting together a winning streak was "important" ahead of the derby against Manchester City.

United face local rivals City in their next match after the international break, on Sept. 10, with both sides having won all three of their league games so far this season. Jose Mourinho's men have gathered their triumphs against Bournemouth, Southampton and Hull City.

Rooney told national newspapers: "To go there with three wins is important and, with the next game being Man City, it was a big win for us [against Hull], even though it's so early in the season. We know whatever happens against City isn't going to define the season but it's always nice to go into that break with the three wins.

"It's a game players, staff, media, fans, everyone will be looking forward to. It's a Manchester derby but also with Jose and Pep Guardiola at Man City. It's exciting for everyone and exciting to play in."

Rooney provided the assist for the late winning goal in the 1-0 win at Hull on Saturday, teeing up Marcus Rashford. It was Rashford's first Premier League appearance of the season and Rooney has said that the 18-year-old is a key man despite the youngster's lack of game time so far.

Rooney said: "He's one of the brightest talents in European football. I'm sure his chance will come. He did brilliantly when he came on and got his goal. He's an important player for us."

Discussing Rashford's selection for the England under-21 squad, Rooney added: "It was a big moment for him to go to the Euros and it's still important for his development to go and play with the under-21s. It's important that he gets games because he hasn't played that much. I think it will be good for him.

"He knows that and he understands that and his time will come and he will get his chance for Manchester United and England.

"We know he is a special talent, we saw it last season. He's a young lad and it's important not to get too carried away. Sometimes it's hard to do that because he's such a talented player but we need, as players and teammates, to try to guide him through it and let him focus on the football."

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