Wayne Rooney says Manchester United will never adequately replace former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rooney has had to carry the burden of expectation now that Ronaldo plies his trade in Madrid rather than Manchester.
Birthday boy Rooney, 24 today, said: "I don't consider I was ever in Ronaldo's shadow but, no, I'm not happy he left the club and I don't think any of us are.
"I'd prefer him to still be in the team if I'm being honest.
"He's a brilliant player, irreplaceable, the best player in the world - so no one's happy he left."
Rooney says that, on the first day back for training after Ronaldo's departure, manager Alex Ferguson told him he had to up his goals rate.
The England star revealed: "The manager said he wanted me to score more goals - but then he tells me that every season. As the season goes on, if I am not scoring enough, he'll tell me I need to improve.
"And if I am scoring goals, he'll still tell me I need to improve. That's just how he is."
