Rooney excited by RVP arrival

Wayne Rooney is hoping Robin van Persie's move north from Arsenal triggers the arrival of a goal rush at Manchester United. Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo's world record departure in 2009, Rooney has carried the burden of leading United's attack and at times it has seemed like the 26-year-old is doing the job single-handedly. Ahead of Monday's visit to former club Everton, Rooney insists Van Persie's £24million transfer to United will not lessen the weight of expectation on his shoulders. However, after losing out on the title to Manchester City on goal difference last term, the Red Devils favourite hopes Van Persie will quickly find the form that allowed the Dutchman to edge Rooney out from the Golden Boot prize last season. "We are playing for Manchester United, so there is always expectation on us," he said. "Over the last two or three years I have been the one scoring the goals but that will not happen without the players to give you the assists. "The only thing that will change is that we might be able to share the goals out a little bit more. It would be great for us to score more goals because effectively, that is what we lost the league on last season." Having sat out England's friendly win over Italy in midweek, Rooney looks fresh and ready for the challenge of overhauling City. And he admits Van Persie's presence in the United dressing room has given everyone a lift. "Obviously it is great for the team - for the players and fans - to sign a player of his quality," he said. "As forwards it is great for us to have someone like that to play with and it is always exciting when you sign a new player of that quality and ability. It also provides strong competition. We are all fighting for one or two places, which is good for the team as a whole." FIFA