The 24-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, notching 19 Premier League goals to lead the way for the Red Devils as they adapt to life without Cristiano Ronaldo. Portuguese star Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in an £80million deal last summer - and there is now reported interest from Real and Barcelona in Rooney. But he insists he is enjoying life with top-of-the-table United, and told the club's website: "There's always speculation, and when other big teams are talking about you, it's nice that you're talked about. "But as I've said many times before, I'm a United player and I'm very happy here." On his ambitions for the club, Rooney added: "I hope we can win the title again this year. "We've won the league the last three years and nobody has ever won it four times in a row. We want to create history. "The title race is much tighter this year and it's probably more exciting for the neutrals or fans around the country. But we're hoping that now we are top we can go on and remain there for the rest of the season." One of Rooney's predecessors in the England forward line, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, has outlined the importance of the former Everton striker to United. After watching Rooney's four-goal masterclass in the 4-0 defeat of Hull at the weekend, Shearer told BBC Radio Five Live: "They would not be where they are in the league (without Rooney). "He has carried them at times but he is a great player and that's what great players do. When the clubs need them they step forward." Shearer also underlined Rooney's importance to England's World Cup ambitions, saying: "As important as he is to Manchester United, he is just as important to England, I don't think anyone should forget that. "But on the other hand there were question marks. People were saying he has to step up his performance this year because of the loss of Ronaldo and boy has he done that. "I think he has actually carried Manchester United on his own at times this season. That's saying something for the size of that particular club. "I think his performances have been spectacular and I hope he's not peaking too soon, as an England fan." Rooney's all-action style has prompted some to raise fears he may burn out before the World Cup in South Africa, but Shearer does not share those concerns and neither does he feel the player should be rested. "The fear I have with him is injury and that is not something he, nor anyone, can do anything about," the former Newcastle boss added. "If that is going to happen it's going to happen - we're are in the lap of the gods I'm afraid."
