Wayne Rooney hails Fabio Capello as England's 'severe dad'

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has hailed Fabio Capello as England's father figure and believes the Italian has brought the best out of him this season.

Rooney is enjoying arguably the best season of his career, with the four goals he scored in United's recent victory over Hull taking his tally to 19 Premier League goals this campaign.

Rooney's impressive form has taken the edge off the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and the 24-year-old claims his improvement is down in part to Capello and his emphasis on team discipline.

"Capello instils fear, like a severe dad,'' said Rooney. ''He has explained to us how to do everything. Now I'm playing further forward and in the middle of the penalty area.

"It was Capello who suggested this to me. Now I know how to make different moves in the area. He has taught me so much from a tactical point of view. He has also given me a leading role with the England team.

"He has made us more of a squad. He has worked above all on the tactics, now we can change them every match. We're going to South Africa convinced of our strengths.

Rooney also insists he and his United team-mates can once again record an impressive double and pick up the Champions League and Premier League trophies.

"I want to win the Premier League which for three years has always belonged to United and be top goalscorer," he added. "We are doing well, but we have to look out for Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. And I'm also worried about Manchester City and Tottenham.

"We are aware of our own values and we are equipped to win the Champions League. But it is a difficult tournament because it's a competition that's all down to the details. But we don't have to look for motivation anywhere. It's always there."

First up for United is a difficult last-16 tie against AC Milan who have dumped them out of Europe's premier club competition on two previous occasions.

The clash has been given added spice by David Beckham's loan deal with the Italian giants, as it marks the former United star's first return to Old Trafford since his departure for Real Madrid in 2003.

"David is a champion and represents the history of United," Rooney added. "I hope he will get a great welcome. It will be emotional to play against him."