Rooney ready to lead

"Wayne is ready now to take his career up a further notch and become a leader himself."He is playing with a zest and energy that has taken him to new heights," Ferguson told United Review.The 25-year-old also scored twice on England duty earlier this month, further evidence he is now completely out of the form dip that lasted nearly 12 months, including a miserable World Cup.Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is now showing the maturity required to become a leader at Manchester United.Rooney heads into the Premier League duel with Chelsea on the back of successive hat-tricks, part of an eight-goal haul that has shot him into an early lead in the battle to claim this season's Golden Boot prize. And Ferguson feels Rooney can now assume wider responsibilities in a youthful United side, which at times averages just 23 years of age. "Energy burns in him. But there is also a maturity to his football now that is of tremendous benefit to the team. "He has already put a marker down on a personal level but now he can assume greater responsibility, and I see his colleagues responding."