Rooney's upbeat despite goalless start

MANCHESTER - Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has admitted that his performances so far this season have not been up to scratch, but he is confident the goals will start flowing soon.

With Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao having left Old Trafford during the close season and Javier Hernandez out of favour, Rooney has started the season as the lone striker in manager Louis van Gaal's 4-2-3-1 system.

He has yet to score in three games, leading to questions about his suitability for the role, but while he accepts that criticism of his performances is just, he is targeting tomorrow's game at home to Newcastle United as an opportunity to make amends.

"I've had one bad game this season and everyone's all over it," he told reporters after United's 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the home leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday.

"I know, I've had that throughout my career, but hopefully at the weekend I can get off the mark.

"I'm an honest guy. I know when I don't play well and against Aston Villa (where United won 1-0 on Friday) I was below my standards. I know that.

"I thought I had a good game tonight, could have had a goal or two, but that's football.

"It's early on in the season. Three games in, it's time for me to keep going. I've experienced this before and the goals will come. I know that."

Rooney, who turns 30 in October, has not started a season as United's main striker since 2011, but he rejected the suggestion that it may take time for him to re-adjust.

"My mind's clear. I know how to play the role," he said. "It's just a case of getting the chances and taking them, which I'm hopefully going to do soon."