Rio Ferdinand believes Wayne Rooney has the ability to become the world’s best striker, but only if he becomes more selfish.
The 23-year-old made an instant impact in United’s Club World Cup semi-final win over Gamba Osaka on Thursday, coming off the bench to score United’s third goal with just his second touch of the ball. He found the net again minutes later as the Reds cantered to victory.
Rooney, who has at times during his United career found himself out wide on the left wing, came on in place of Carlos Tevez to take up a central position upfront and that’s exactly the area where Ferdinand feels his England team-mate really comes alive.
“The manager has asked him to be that player that runs through a lot more. He can do that,” Ferdinand told PA Sport.
“With more time and the way he keeps working he can become more and more of a threat in behind. He has the strength and the nose where to run.
“Sometimes he needs to be more selfish. To score 25 or 30 goals a season you have to have a certain amount of selfishness. He probably needs a little bit more.
“He is capable of getting that number. I have played against him in training. I know how difficult he can be to play against and if he continues to keep working in the right areas he has the capability to be top scorer in the Premier League.
“He is playing more like a number nine for us and for me he could easily be the best No. 9 in the world given time,” added Ferdinand.
“He has the capability and more tools than any other number nine in the world to do that. I have every confidence in him.
“It’s just a matter of him being given the time and I am sure he will put it into practice.”
[Credit: ManUtd]
