Sir Alex Ferguson will hand Wayne Rooney a centre-forward role this season, after backing him to replace Cristiano Ronaldo atop of Manchester United's scoring chart.

The England international has been deployed in a variety of roles in recent years, including out wide or into a deeper position.

But with Ronaldo having moved to Real Madrid, Ferguson needs to find another regular source of goals, and he believes Rooney will relish the challenge.

I don't think the responsibility of getting more goals will affect Wayne at all. He's got the mental strength for all that kind of thing.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Wayne Rooney

"I don't think the responsibility of getting more goals will affect Wayne at all," said Ferguson. "He's got the mental strength for all that kind of thing.

"He's proved that time and time again. He will be used as a central striker this season. He goes on these bursts of goals.

"Last season I think he hit seven in a row at one point - but if he can do that more consistently over the season, he will get to 25 and above.

"But Wayne is a totally different type of player to Ronaldo. I don't think you can compare them, they are such different types."