WAYNE Rooney believes his receding hairline has contributed to his prolific season and the Manchester United striker is adamant he is not feeling the weight of expectation ahead of England’s bid for the World Cup.

Rooney scored twice on Wednesday as Manchester United beat AC Milan 4-0 to go through to the Champions League quarter-finals, taking his tally to 30 for the season.

The 24-year-old, who was not permitted to touch the World Cup trophy at a FIFA promotional event in London yesterday, opened the scoring with his seventh successive headed goal.

‘‘It’s coming off my bald patch and that’s helping me score,’’ quipped Rooney, proving he is as sharp behind the microphone as he is in the box.

‘‘I’ve been working on my heading a lot and thankfully it’s paying off.’’ Rooney also believes playing up front – rather than in wide positions – has contributed to his phenomenal tally.

‘‘I’ve been in the box a lot more, I’ve been working on my timing and my finishing,’’ he added.

‘‘I’ve played up front in every game I’ve played this season and that’s definitely the main reason for me scoring a lot of goals.’’ The talismanic striker was adamant he was not feeling under undue pressure, despite being England’s main hope for World Cup glory in South Africa.

‘‘No, to be honest, I don’t,’’ said Rooney.

‘‘I think I’ve had pressure since I started playing for Everton at 16 and for England at 17.

‘‘I’ve managed to deal with that pressure and find a way to deal with it and it doesn’t really affect my game. I don’t think I have any problems there.’’