he has years left at the top level of football and is
determined to prove his critics wrong in the closing
weeks of the season.
England's record goalscorer has found playing
time limited at Old Trafford this term, with injury
problems and the form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic
restricting him to 10 starts in the Premier League.
A serious knee injury to Ibrahimovic saw Rooney
handed a rare start at Burnley on Sunday and the
31-year-old repaid manager Jose Mourinho's faith
with the second goal in a 2-0 victory.
United's battle for a top-four finish and Europa
League triumph mean Rooney is likely to play an
important role in the coming weeks, although his
long-term future remains far from certain.
The former Everton man says he has plenty to
contribute in both the short and longer term,
however.
"I feel I can contribute quality, composure,
experience, and know-how, how to get over the
line, whether it's to win the league or finish top four
or get to the final. That's a lot of experience I can
contribute to the team," he told Sky Sports ahead of
Thursday's derby match with Manchester City.
Asked if he can play at the top level for two or
three years longer, he replied: "Yes. Even longer I
think. Everyone mentions that age, I'm 31, not an
old person. Of course, I've played a lot of games.
"Who knows, not playing so many games this
season might benefit me. All I can do is keep
working, keep trying to prove people wrong. I work
hard in training, and I just have to wait and get my
chance, as I did against Burnley.
"I know I'm good enough to play at the top level.
People have their opinions, which I respect, and I
have mine."
Rooney was heavily linked with a move to the
Chinese Super League in January before
committing his immediate future to United, but talk
of a possible switch to the CSL, MLS or a return to
Everton persists.
However, the forward is unwilling to discuss his
plans beyond trying to help United get back into
the Champions League.
"I think I answered that question in February," he
said. "My focus at the minute is helping us reach
the Europa League final, and to win it, and help us
get to the top four. That's my focus at the minute.
"I think I've got a lot to offer, and as I keep saying,
I'm looking forward to these next few games, get a
few under my belt, and get to where I want to be at
the end of the season and see what happens
there."
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