Rooney says Man U was top choice

Teenage striker Wayne Rooney says Manchester United was the only team he wanted to join once he knew the club was interested in him.

The 18-year-old joined United from Everton on Tuesday in a six-year deal valued at up to almost 30 million pounds, which includes agents fees and is conditional on the club's performances and the player's England appearances.

"Once I knew that Manchester United were in for my signature there was only one place I was going to go," Rooney told a news conference in Manchester on Wednesday.

"I'm very excited because of the players they've got here, it's unbelievable the team they've got and their fans all over the world, so hopefully I can come into the team and do well."

Rival Premier League club Newcastle United had also made an offer for Rooney, who scored four goals for England at Euro 2004 before limping off with a broken foot during their quarter-final defeat by hosts Portugal.

United manager Alex Ferguson said he believes Rooney would be fit to play in two to three weeks. The player is due to have another scan on Thursday.

Rooney said it had been a tough decision to leave Everton, the club he has supported since a boy and with whom he made his first-team debut two years ago after coming through the Merseyside club's youth academy.

"It was difficult because I've supported Everton all my life and I've been playing for Everton for two years so it made it even more difficult... but then United came in for me and I knew I wanted to further my career and go and play in the Champions League.

"So Manchester United was the right club for me to do that."