Wayne works in c-Roos control

[CDev]

Wayne Rooney has had to curb his all-action training regime so he does not suffer burn-out.

Rooney always plays a five-a-side at the Carrington training ground with the same vigour as a Champions League final.

But the Manchester United star fears that attitude to his job is actually wearing him out.

And with a Treble to be won for United this season, plus the World Cup coming up in the summer, that is something he cannot afford.

Rooney said: "I am enjoying my football, playing well and managing myself better. That's paying off.

"I am not doing every training session where, normally, I would train as hard as I can.

"It's not due to my knee. But I have played a lot of games this year and it is about reining myself in in training.

"I am getting a bit older and wiser now and it is probably the best thing to do."

United boss Alex Ferguson voiced his concern last weekend that Rooney was doing too much.

The striker had played an hour of the Carling Cup final, despite having a knee problem, and then insisted on playing almost a full game for England against Egypt at Wembley three days later.

It led to Ferguson resting him last weekend for the game against Wolves, so he could be right for AC Milan on Wednesday But Rooney added: "I am proud to play for my country and I want to play for it unless I really can't."

His hot streak continued as he scored twice in a 4-0 thumping of the Italians.

That made it four in the tie for him, after he hit two in the San Siro in the 3-2 first leg win.

It was a result that puts United into the Champions League quarter-finals and gives them the confidence and belief that they can go on and win the trophy again.

Rooney declared: "I think this result is going to send a great message out about us. It was a great performance from us again.

"Against a team like Milan, to win so convincingly is a great result.

"A win like this gives you so much confidence - especially the game in Milan, where we went behind but came back to win 3-2.

"We have been in good form anyway over the last couple of months, yet this result and the one in Milan have given us that extra belief we can win the tournament this year.

"We are building up a nice head of steam and looking forward to the draw next week."

One team who will not be in the hat is Real Madrid, after they went out to Lyon at the same time United were stuffing Milan.

It means there is no dream final for Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid's Bernabeu home.

Rooney said: "Real Madrid have gone out, which has got rid of one hurdle.

"You know if you got to the final and faced them in their own stadium, it would always be difficult."

Rooney now has 30 goals for the season, with his manager believing he can match Ronaldo's 42 of two seasons ago.

On-song Roo insisted: "Hopefully, I can win trophies and, if I get 42 goals as well, I will be delighted.

"This is my best season yet. I am scoring a lot and I am enjoying my football."

While Rooney has emerged as the latest hero and talisman for the club, a former hero bowed out of Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

David Beckham appeared as a second-half substitute for Milan with the game already up and got a tremendous ovation, seven years after leaving United for Real Madrid.

Rooney said: "David has been a great servant to this club and all the United players were delighted he got a great reception.

"I hope I can become as well respected and thought of here as David Beckham.

"I have plenty of years ahead of me and, if I get half of the plaudits that he has been getting, then I will be delighted."

Source: Sun