Rooney welcomes striker competition

With Rooney now recovered from the gashed thigh he suffered against Fulham last month, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson now has five top international forwards to select from ahead of Saturday's (Sunday 2.30am AEST) English Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.

It says something that perceived first-choice pairing Rooney and Robin van Persie have yet to start a game together this season, yet still United has managed to move its way into second spot, just behind early pace-setter Chelsea.

However, with a tricky Capital One Cup tie against Newcastle already negotiated, a UEFA Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj to come on Tuesday before a Premier League rematch with the Magpies next Sunday, Rooney realises there is plenty of work for everyone.

"There is a lot of competition up front, but that is great for the squad," said Rooney.

"The manager will rotate when he feels it is necessary.

"There are a lot of games throughout the season. It means we can get a rest here and there to make sure we are ready for the big games towards the end."

Rooney occupied a deep-lying role against Newcastle, which allowed him to exploit gaps behind Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

Very effective the 26-year-old was too, although whether it is a policy Ferguson would be prepared to persevere with in the Premier League is open to debate.

Rooney is not complaining though.

After being dropped against Fulham, then getting trodden on by Hugo Rodallega when he was finally introduced, it feels like the season is starting again.

"It does feel like the start of my season," he said.

"It was a freak injury and whilst it wasn't too bad, I had to be careful when I came back training and in games because it could open up again.

"There is only so much you can do in the gym. You need that training and game time to get you to your full sharpness.

"I am glad to be over it and back playing."

Now Ferguson must decide whether to finally partner Rooney with Van Persie or keep faith with Shinji Kagawa, who joined the Dutchman in United's starting line-up at Liverpool last week.

Without a win at Old Trafford since 1989, Tottenham is the kind of team United usually relishes hosting.

Rooney has also bagged seven goals against the north London outfit, which gives him hope he will have a good day.

"We always seem to do well against Tottenham," he said. "Hopefully that will continue.

"But they are a good team with great players. We know it will be tough and we will need to be at our best to beat them."

And maybe with a bit more fluency than they have managed so far this term.

"We would like to play a little bit better and not concede as many goals as we have early in the season," he said.

"It is something we have been working on. Hopefully it will happen for us."