Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted he did not want Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford and was “unhappy” at seeing him depart for Real Madrid.

Although the Englishman appears to be thriving in the Portuguese international’s absence, having scored six Premier League goals already this season, the 24-year-old has admitted he would rather Ronaldo was still in Manchester.

"I don't consider I was ever in Ronaldo's shadow but, no, I'm not happy he left the club and I don't think any of us are," the striker told The Sun.

"I'd prefer him to still be in the team if I'm being honest.

"He's a brilliant player, irreplaceable, the best player in the world - so no-one's happy he left."

Following Ronaldo’s departure the goalscoring onus has fallen very much on Rooney’s shoulders and the former Everton man confessed that Sir Alex Ferguson wanted more goals from him.

"The manager said he wanted me to score more goals - but then he tells me that every season," he added.

"As the season goes on, if I am not scoring enough, he'll tell me I need to improve.

"And if I am scoring goals, he'll still tell me I need to improve. That's just how he is.