LONDON, AP:

Manchester United have only played three games this season and Wayne Rooney's inability to score is already under scrutiny.

That's three games without even a shot on target for the striker.

"I've experienced this before and the goals will come, I know that," Rooney said. "I've had one bad game this season and everyone's all over it. I know I've had that throughout my career but hopefully at the weekend I can get off the mark."

When United host Newcastle today, Rooney will be searching for his first competitive goal for United since April 4, making it a nine-game drought going back into last season.

"I understand I have to be the one who's going to lead that line for us and try and the goals for us," the centre forward said. "My mind's clear. I know how to play the role. It's just a case of getting the chances and taking them."

Rooney is only 19 goals from matching Bobby Charlton's club scoring record of 249.

The biggest showdown of the weekend is not until Monday night when Liverpool go to Arsenal after eking out a pair of 1-0 wins in its opening fixtures.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is still getting accustomed to his new team after a June move from Chelsea and awaits his first clean sheet.

"The interaction between the goalkeeper and the back four has to be top to compete in the Premier League," Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said. "Sometimes it takes longer than you think."

Arsenal opened with a loss to West Ham then won 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

Sunderland and newcomer Bournemouth are still waiting their first points. Sunderland host Swansea today when Bournemouth go to West Ham.

Also today, Palace hosts Villa and Norwich faces Stoke, while the following day Watford plays Southampton.