Rooney: 'I've got nothing to prove to anyone'

Amid questions as to where Wayne Rooney fits in Jose Mourinho's system, the Englishman made a statement on Sunday, scoring in Manchester United's 3-1 Premier League victory at AFC Bournemouth and showing glimpses of what could be a genuine partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But for Rooney, the performance wasn't intended to make a point.

In conversation with Sky Sports, Rooney made it clear that he isn't out to prove himself and insisted that if he continues to play the way he did at Dean Court, the goals will continue to come.

"I've got nothing to prove to anyone," Rooney said, according to Arindem Rej of ESPN FC. "I've played this game a long time. I believe in my ability. If I play the way I played today, I'll score goals."

Rooney added: "We've made a real statement this season. We've made four great signings who'll improve our team. The new manager is a successful manager. There's a lot of excitement."

The 59th-minute header marked his seventh-ever goal on the first matchday of a Premier League season, a number that only Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard have surpassed. It also put the product of Everton level with Shearer on the the Premier League's all-time scoring list for away goals.

United's next fixture takes place on Friday at home to Southampton.