Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United's friendly against Barcelona will allow the club to prove they are their equals.

He said in a news conference: "Over the last few years they have been probably the best team in Europe and it is down to us to prove we are as good as them. It is good that tomorrow [Saturday] we will be playing against us and it will show us where we are at."

United last faced Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League final.

United have spent almost £80 million in recruiting Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian.

"It is obviously important to help the new players settle in but the ones we have brought in are experienced and successful," he said. "I am sure they will add a lot to the team.

"I can try and help them learn about the history of the club and what is expected at this club and how to be successful but it is down to the players themselves to prove themselves and create their own history."