Manchester United are ready to run amok in the Premier League, warns Wayne Rooney: The Big Saturday Interview

By David McDonnell in Mirror Football Blog

Published 23:00 20/11/09

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Wayne Rooney has warned the Premier League that Manchester United are ready to embark on a trademark winning run to re-assert themselves in the title race.

Defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago left United trailing Carlo Ancelotti's side by five points and Sir Alex Ferguson's men playing catch-up as they eye a record-breaking 19th title.

But this time last year, after defeat at Arsenal, United went on a remarkable four-month, 16-match unbeaten run which proved the platform for a third successive title win.

And Rooney believes United can now go on a similarly remorseless run and haul themselves right back into the title race - starting today against Everton at Old Trafford.

"I thought we played the best we have all season at Chelsea, even though we lost 1-0," said Rooney.

"Despite the result, we can take a lot of confidence and belief from that performance, and use that in our next run of games.

"We know we need to get more consistency in our results and I'm sure we can do that.

"We're known for going on good runs at this time of year and in the second half of the season, so we need to start doing that now.

"We never give in, we always keep going to the end, and the other teams around us are definitely aware of that."

Given the abuse he has endured from Everton fans since leaving them for United, you would think Rooney would feel nothing but hostility towards his old club.

He knows there will always be a hard-core of Everton fans who will never forgive him for the perceived betrayal of leaving his boyhood club to join United.

 They are the ones who will spend this afternoon shoe-horned into a corner of Old Trafford, taunting Rooney in the hope he will rise to the bait and lose his cool.

But their anger is misplaced. For Rooney knows the majority of Everton fans accept their club was never going to be able to hold on to a player of his unique talent.

"Deep down, I think Everton fans know it was the right decision," said Rooney. "But obviously it's difficult for them to see a player come through the ranks, do well, then leave.

"I know how they feel because, as an Everton fan myself, I was upset when Francis Jeffers left. So I understand it completely.

"But I go back to Liverpool quite a lot and speak to a lot of Everton fans, and I don't think there's one I've met who's said 'you should have stayed'.

"They all come up to me and say 'you made the right decision and good luck to you'. But when they get together as a group, it can be difficult at times.

"I look forward to the games against Everton. They're a challenge for me. Obviously it's the team I grew up supporting and played for, and at first it was weird playing against them.

"But I've played against them so many times now, it's just another game for me, one where I've got to try and give my all and win for United."

Rooney may now play for United, but a part of his heart remains at Goodison Park, to the extent two family members have bought an Everton strip for his two-week old son Kai.

Fatherhood and then being named England captain for the first time against Brazil last weekend proved two more significant milestones in Rooney's extraordinary life and career.

But with international football on the back-burner until next Ferbruary, Rooney's focus is now solely on United and maintaining their push for an unprecedented fourth straight title.

With three defeats, to Burnley, Liverpool and Chelsea, in their opening 12 games, United have been less than convincing in their title defence this season.

But Rooney claimed that fact United are within touching distance of the top, despite not having yet hit top form, bodes well for the rest of the campaign.

"I still think there's a lot more to come from us," said Rooney. "The Premier League has been a bit more open this season than in previous years.

"The top teams are a lot closer together than they have been in the past. It's definitely a lot tighter than it's been for a while.

"I know Chelsea are leading by five points at the moment, but it's close this year and I'm sure there will be a lot more twists and turns to come.

"I still think Chelsea will be the team to beat. They're strong every year, they know how to grind results out, so I think they'll be our biggest rivals.

"With Chelsea, you always know what you're going to get. They're strong, they defend well and with Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba they have two top strikers.

"Arsenal have started the season brilliantly and some of the football they play is fantastic to watch.

"The young players they've got have matured and we have to be aware of Arsenal, because they could creep up at the end of the season as well.

"I don't think you can write Liverpool off, either. They're still a good team and I'm sure they won't be too far away at the end of the season.

"There are teams pushing to get into the top four, and even behind them there's a mini-league as well, so it's going to be really close and I'm sure it'll go down to the wire.

"We know what we've got to do to win the title. Come the end of the season, if it's still close, we've got the experience of having to win the last game to clinch the title."

Rooney knowsthe significance of this season's title race above all others, for winning it would see United overtake arch rivals Liverpool for that elusive 19th championship triumph.

It would be irrevocable proof of United's status as the country's most successful cub and extend Liverpool's agonising wait for the domestic crown to a remarkable 20 years.

"Winning the league this season is probably our biggest challenge since I've been here," said Rooney.

"If we could do that and overtake Liverpool's record it would be massive for the club.

"We don't really speak about it in the dressing-room, but everyone's aware of what's at stake if we can win it this season.

"Then we've got the World Cup after that, so it's going to be a big six months or so, and I'm hoping to come out of it successfully."

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Wayne Rooney admitted he was amazed by some of the dazzling tricks and skills produced by the young hopefuls in his Coke Zero Street Striker series.

Rooney was impressed by the quality of the youngsters who showcased their skills in an urban environment to win the coveted title.

"It's great to meet different kids from all over the country and to be able to help them and give them advice," said Rooney.

"There were some really skilful kids. The girls were really good this year, and some of the quality from the lads was brilliant as well.

"It's a great show for them to express themselves and show how good they are. Some of things they did, I couldn't even do myself.

"But that's the difference between playing street football and on a normal pitch. It's fun and you can enjoy it because there's no pressure and no rules."

‘Coke Zero presents Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker is on Sk1 and Sky1 HD on Sunday at 6pm’