Wayne Rooney: 'I can improve'

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has claimed that the best years of his career are yet to come.

The forward made his debut 10 years ago and has gone on to score 218 goals for the club, helping them to win five Premier League titles and lift the Champions League.

"I still believe I can get better as a footballer. In the next three to five years you will see me as a different player. The next two or three I feel could be the best of my career," he told The Times. "I'm at a stage, especially after playing at this club for 10 years, where I've picked up a lot about the game - I've learnt.

"When I was younger I wasted far too much energy charging around in the last 15 minutes. I'd be tired, your legs aren't fresh and you might miss a chance.

"I'm a better footballer now than I was then. When I was younger I was raw, there were moments when I did spectacular stuff, but now overall my play is better."

Rooney scored and was later sent off during United's 2-1 win against West Ham United on Saturday.