Wayne Rooney has insisted that he has "a lot of football left" in him despite speculation that his playing career is on the wane.
The Manchester United captain spoke to the media ahead of United's Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday, and refuted suggestions that he was now merely a squad player at Old Trafford after starting four consecutive matches on the bench.
Rooney's form had come in for criticism from fans and media alike during the early weeks of the campaign before Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho benched the forward-cum-midfielder in September.
The ex-Everton starlet was also dropped to the bench for England's World Cup qualifier away to Slovenia during the recent international break - a move that many believed signalled the beginning of the end of Rooney's career on the world stage.
Rooney, though, said he believed that he still had a part to play for both club and country, despite losing his starting berth, while adding that he respected Mourinho's decision to not play him from the start.
He said: I'd like to think I can play every game, but obviously it's the manger's decision and I respect the decision. I'll be ready when needed.
Not in my mind (do I think I've reached the point when I accept only getting 25 games a season). Maybe in other people's minds but not mine. I'm 31 next week. I've got a lot of football left.�
Rooney added that he thought Manchester United still have the potential to vie for the Premier League title this season.
United remained seventh in the league standings after Monday night's 0-0 draw away to North West rivals Liverpool - a result that kept them five points off the summit of England's top flight.
Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United can win the title this season as he promises to seize his chance #mufc https://t.co/VEAjfVE3Lc
Despite their inconsistent form in the early months of the season, however, Rooney claimed that there was still enough quality among United's first-team squad to mount a title challenge under Mourinho.
He added: I said before the season we'd be challenging ” we've still got that belief, even stronger after working with this manager and the players over the last few months.
I think we've got a fantastic squad, who are ready and capable of challenging.�
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