Carrick: Rooney’s one of us

MICHAEL Carrick insists Wayne Rooney remains a central figure in the Manchester United squad.

After missing the entire pre–season campaign through injuries, Rooney went on as a sub 30 minutes from the end of Saturday’s 4–1 win at Swansea.

Though obviously short of match fitness, the 27 year old still had a significant impact, setting up goals for Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck as David Moyes' reign as United manager got off to a perfect start.

Doubt remains over his future, though. Having had two bids turned down for Rooney already, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho seems intent on having a third try to prize the England forward away from Old Trafford.

“Wayne is a great player,” said Carrick. “He’s one of the lads. He is one of us and we all stick together.

“I didn’t hear the fans but he has given this club an awful lot. The fans support him and so do we.

“He came on and looked good. He set up two goals. That is what he is all about. We played for each other to get the win. He was certainly part of that.”