MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is certain that Wayne Rooney (pictured) will score 20 goals this season -- despite his relatively poor start to the campaign.
The England striker, 27, had a spell on the sidelines with a gash on his knee earlier this season but has only managed three goals in all competitions.
In contrast, Robin van Persie has managed 11 goals since joining from Arsenal in a £24m ($38m) deal in the close season, while Mexico striker Javier Hernandez has already managed six.
Ferguson, who has a doubt over Jonny Evans for the trip to Aston Villa, feels that persuading Mexico to allow Hernandez to miss this year’s Olympic Games in London has made a big difference.
Rooney managed his first Champions League goal in the 3-1 win at Portuguese outfit Braga in mid-week but missed a penalty in the 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the weekend.
Ferguson’s side, have scored 26 goals in their 10 Premier League matches.
But after last season’s problems, Ferguson has calmed concerns about Rooney’s opening to the season and has been delighted with Van Persie’s start to life at Old Trafford.
“Robin’s experienced. He had eight years at Arsenal helps and he’s come to us at the right time, there’s no doubt,” he told a news conference.
“He’s got us 11 goals so far and Chicharito (Hernandez) is on six and getting back to what he was a couple of years ago and a summer’s rest has helped enormously.
“He’s looking fresh and aggressive with his running, always a handful, and Wazza (Rooney) will get to 20 goals plus, I’m sure of that. It’s a healthy combination we’ve got up there.
“Last year we lost on goal difference and I don’t expect us to lose on goal difference again and Robin may make that difference. Wayne had goals last year and the way Chicharito has started this season I’m certain he’ll get to 20 plus. AFP
