Wayne Rooney scores hat-trick in Manchester United friendly

(GETTY IMAGES)

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Wayne Rooney's work ethic after the Manchester United striker bagged a second-half hat-trick in a 7-0 romp over Seattle Sounders.

Introduced as a second-half substitute, Rooney wasted no time in making his mark, finding the net three times within the space of 21 minutes to signal his well-being ahead of the new campaign.

"It is nice he scored," said Ferguson.

"We are pleased for all the goalscorers but three goals is a nice start for him.

"He has worked hard. He has done really well in training."

Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Park Ji-sung and Gabriel Obertan also found the net and Ferguson wants to see a similar spread of firepower across the season as a whole.

"Last year we depended on three players for our goals, so that was good tonight," he said.

However, as Ferguson acknowledged, it was a "strange" contest given United's two goalkeepers, Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos, were both called on to make a series of excellent stops, proving they are not going to let David de Gea cement the job of Edwin van der Sar's replacement without some significant competition.

"Obviously we have signed David de Gea as the main choice I would imagine," said Ferguson.

"But Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos have probably said to themselves they have an opportunity with Van der Sar retiring.

"It is an open door for me.

"De Gea will play on Saturday against Chicago but they will all get their fair share of games and the decision on who starts the season will depend on how De Gea settles."

Although new boy Ashley Young has not managed to score any of United's impressive two-game haul of 11, the former Aston Villa man has settled in well and already looks as though he will make a positive contribution to United's quest for honours.

"I am just delighted to be here and get myself on the pitch," he said.

"No disrespect for the Villa boys but as soon as I heard of Manchester United's interest, I just wanted to get the deal done and start training.

"I can play left, right, off the front striker or as a main striker, so I just have to concentrate on my own game and wherever I am picked, do myself justice.

"The manager bought me for a reason, to get assists and goals and work hard for the team. If I can do that every time I am selected, my job is done."

It is the first time Young has been exposed to the sheer size of the club he has now joined. And while the reception United have received does not compare to an Asian tour, the sight of fans maintaining a constant presence outside the team hotel is novel.

"This is fantastic for me," he said. "You come to the United States and see the number of fans outside the hotel every day.

"It is crazy and just shows how big the club is.

"For me to be part of that is fantastic."

There had been some suggestion that Diouf would not be involved due to interest from Blackpool.

However, the Senegal youngster, who was recommended to United by legendary striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, insists his only focus has been on the Red Devils.

"I never heard anything about that," said Diouf.

"I am here. People are just saying things. I have to know before anyone else. It is not a big deal."

With seven strikers at his disposal, Ferguson has some big decisions to make, although Diouf has enough confidence to believe he can be one of the chosen few.

He said: "I am confident I can play at Manchester United. Why not? You always have to think positively. You always have to do your best.

"I spent last season at Blackburn, which was a good experience for me.

"It helped me play some games in the Premier League. Now I am ready.

"The competition is really hard and I know I will have to take my chances.

"We will see what is going to happen but I want to stay.

"I have to show the manager why that should happen."