Rooney: 'We're more respected now'

The former Man Utd striker raised a few eyebrows when he chose the MLS over another season in the Premier League, but has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch in the States.

Rooney has helped to earn nine points over the last eight days for DC United, including an impressive brace against Portland Timbers, and believes that his side are on the up.

"I think what you're seeing now is teams respecting us a bit more. I think in previous games, New England have pressed a lot - today you could see their hesitance in doing that."

"They left the space for us to get on the ball. I think you're seeing teams showing that little bit more respect to us, and New York Red Bulls [on Monday] I'm sure they'll have more to think about than what they did last time."

His team will travel to New Jersey to play the Red Bulls to try and extend their impressive run of form.