Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is backing striker Wayne Rooney to lead the Red Devils from the front in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo world, starting against Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.

Ferguson would bring Rooney from his selfless left-sided duties to fill the gap left by Ronaldo, who transferred to Real Madrid in an 80 million pound deal.

“Wayne is a totally different type of player to Ronaldo. I don’t think the responsibility of getting more goals will affect Wayne at all. He’s got the mental strength. He’s proved that time and time again” The Telegraph quoted Ferguson, as saying.

“He will be used as a central striker this season. He goes on these bursts of goals, but if he can do that more consistently over the season he will get to 25 and above,” he added.

The 67 year-old further said that Rooney was an exceptional player and it would be difficult for any player to fill his shoes at the Old Trafford, but believes that if a player has determination, nothing would be impossible.

“Any player, whether Wayne Rooney, Macheda, Welbeck, Nani, all the forwards, all have to say ‘well, this guy was exceptional,” said Ferguson, adding that only the most dedicated can follow in such productive footsteps by having the desire to improve themselves in every training session.

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