Although he started in the EFL Cup, Rooney was dropped in the wake of United's 3-1 loss at Watford last month.
The England international understood manager Jose Mourinho's decision after his display at Vicarage Road.
"Listen, I had a bad game at Watford. I played bad, I know that and I understand that," Rooney said, via The Independent.
"I think if he was picking the next team on the back of that, I understand not playing. The team have done well, certainly in the Leicester game since that.
"I understand I have to work hard and try and get back and try and get my chance and take it."
Mourinho had suggested Rooney returned from the previous international break a different player, with united losing three straight matches.
With the 30-year-old benched, Mourinho's men have claimed wins over Leicester City and Zorya, while being held by Stoke City.
"The team came back different, but I'll take a lot of that," Rooney said.
"Of course, I've done that throughout my career, but we have to work as a team in terms of trying to win and, if I'm on the bench, so be it.
"I'll fight. I won't not fight for my place, I'll fight to try and get back in."
Photo: AFP