The English international has been playing behind United's strikers, but the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo could see the former play deeper in attack.

"Rooney has got the mental strength for any changes. He's proved that time and time again," Ferguson said.

"He will be used as a central striker this season. He goes on these bursts of goals.

"Last season I think he hit seven in a row at one point - but if he can do that more consistently over the season, he will get to 25 and above."

Ronaldo, who moved to Real Madrid this summer, has scored more than hundred goals for United in the period between 2003 and 2009.