Rooney: 'MLS level is higher than I thought'

Rooney moved to DC United over the summer, and has transformed their season, dragging the club into the playoffs. Now, speaking to the 'BBC', he has revealed all that has changed for him. 

"It is a bit more relaxing for us as a family. If you want to go to the supermarket or pop out and get a coffee then it's quite easy to do," the former Manchester United man began. 

"At times in England it could be a bit difficult but here not that many recognise you, or they are really respectful when they see you, so that is definitely a big difference.

"Soccer is not the biggest sport over here at the minute, they have their other sports, NFL, basketball, which everyone watches here.

"To walk around and have a bit more space and time to enjoy with your family was something a bit different to what I'm used to."

He went on to compare the differences in the style of play between the Premier League and the MLS, saying that he was surprised by the level. 

"I knew it was a tough league, a physical league, but I think the ability of the teams in the league and ability of individual players is a lot higher than maybe I thought when I first came," he added. 

"Some of the football that gets played is good and it is a competitive league. I think certainly in the last few weeks with play-off places up for grabs, it has got really competitive.

"It is a bit different and it is not what people are used to back home but it is not relaxed. There is pressure to perform and for me to come out and perform, and I am enjoying that pressure, playing the games and helping us get to the play-offs and hopefully bringing some more success in the next couple of weeks for the team.

"I am really enjoying it and I think the team are playing well, producing great football, so hopefully that continues."