Rooney aims to steal spotlight from Martial

United striker wants to hit form with club after breaking England record

Wayne Rooney has set his sights on stealing the spotlight from Manchester United new-boy Anthony Martial when England's freshly-crowned record goalscorer returns to Premier League action in Saturday's clash with bitter rival Liverpool.

Rooney passed Bobby Charlton as England's most prolific marksman when he netted his 50th international goal with a powerful penalty in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Switzerland at Wembley.

It was a much-needed jolt of confidence for Rooney, whose only goals in United colors this term have come in a Champions League rout of Club Brugge.

The 29-year-old hopes his memorable milestone provides the springboard for a dynamic display against Liverpool at Old Trafford, and ideally an end to his 10-match goalless run in the Premier League that stretches back to April.

"To achieve what I have, I would be lying if I said it didn't put a spring in my step and make you want to carry on (scoring)," Rooney said.

"I am very happy and grateful. Now I have to get back into training and start focusing on Liverpool.

"Hopefully getting two goals in the last two games will mean I continue scoring."

United manager Louis van Gaal could do with a sustained run of influential performances from Rooney as he looks to ease the weight of expectations on new signing Martial.

The 19-year-old was lured from Monaco on transfer deadline day for a 36 million pounds fee ($55 million) that could rise to 58 million pounds.

The vast sum is a major gamble on the raw French forward's untapped potential and even van Gaal, who needed an additional threat to pep up a spluttering attack that has scored only three goals in four league games, has described the fee for Martial as "ridiculous".

Both United, 2-1 a loser at Swansea, and Liverpool, shocked 3-0 at home by West Ham, were beaten for the first time this season in their most recent matches before the international break, raising doubts about their ability to fight for the title.

Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva, likely to start against United with Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen struggling with injuries, admits the outcome of Saturday's match will have a significant impact on how both clubs fare this season.

"The two teams arrive in a similar situation with a lot of new players, a lot of new signings," Lucas said.

"It's probably one of the biggest games of the season. I think if you get a good result there it can give you a lot of belief and confidence going forward.

"It's a good opportunity for us to put the result against West Ham behind us and start again."

(China Daily 09/12/2015 page12)