Rooney wants medals, not accolades

Rooney continued his fine run of form against Villa (GETTY IMAGES)

Wayne Rooney would prefer more medals to accolades for equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's 42-goal tally of two seasons ago.

Manchester United's star striker is on 28 for the season following his Carling Cup final match-winner against Aston Villa at Wembley.

With a maximum 16 games to play, Rooney is in line to catch the total that helped Ronaldo become World Player of the Year.

But Rooney only has eyes for the Premier League and Champions League trophies United will now turn their attention to after successfully defending a cup competition for the first time.

"Cristiano got 42 but I am just looking to contribute to us winning medals," said the 24-year-old.

"If that happens (42) it would be great but as long as we win medals it would be even better."

News that Rooney has picked up a knee injury that makes him a doubt for England's friendly with Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday will only heighten fears that too much is being asked of a man who is so important to both club and country.

But Rooney insists he is not concerned about burn-out.

"I don't feel any pressure or burden really," he said.

"To be honest I have probably had pressure since I was 16 so it is something you get used to and deal with in your own way."

Rooney's looping header completed a successful comeback for United, who trailed to James Milner's fourth-minute penalty.

Martin O'Neill found sympathy with his view Nemanja Vidic should have been sent off and had the Serbian gone so early in the contest, United would have been in trouble.

Instead, referee Phil Dowd took a lenient stance and did not even book the Serbian, so once Michael Owen had limped off with a hamstring injury after he had scored an excellent equaliser, the scene was set for Rooney to finish the hero.

"I was chomping at the bit to get on," he said.

"You want to play in finals. Thankfully I have managed to do so and left my mark on the game.

"I knew on Wednesday or Thursday I wouldn't be playing. I had a little bit of a stomach bug and the manager was looking for an excuse to leave me out.

"When he found out about that it made his mind up.

"I was still disappointed but it was the correct decision by the manager."