Rooney urged to focus on 20-plus vision

MANCHESTER, England: Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Wayne Rooney to beat last season's scoring tally of 20 goals after the United striker's finish was enough to earn Manchester United a 1-0 win over Birmingham City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Rooney's 34th-minute finish was the difference as United shrugged of the absence of usual center-backs Rio Ferdinand with a thigh complaint and Nemanja Vidic to a calf injury, to record an opening day win.

Ferguson said: "He took his goal well. The header was a good one and his following up for the rebound was quick and he reacted the right way.