Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

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WHY FERGIE MADE SURE ROONEY HAD A PROPER BREAK

WAYNE ROONEY has told how Sir Alex Ferguson delayed his comeback from the latest metatarsal injury out of fear of long-term damage.

The Manchester United striker had been pestering his manager for several weeks, insisting he was ready to play again after a quicker-than-expected recovery from the fracture he suffered against Reading in their opening Premier League game of the season just over five weeks ago.

But, on medical advice, Ferguson kept Rooney waiting to ensure the fracture was completely healed and he had built up his physical fitness. Rooney will return to action tomorrow when United open their Champions League campaign in Portugal against Sporting Lisbon, 39 days after Reading’s Michael Duberry stamped on his left foot to wreck his hopes of a flying start to the season.

Rooney said: “I am fine. I feel I could have played a few weeks ago and I am a bit disappointed that I haven’t. But it was probably the best thing in the long run.

“I have been dying to play and if there was a chance then I wanted to make sure the manager knew I was ready if selected. But he and the physios have been a bit cautious and rightly so – it is a long season. Hopefully I can get a run-out on Wednesday and get back playing.

“It is the third time I have had this sort of injury and obviously it was disappointing it happened so early in the season. But because I have had them before I know myself when I am ready to come back.

“Now I am just happy to be fit again and I just want to get back playing.”

Rooney leapt to the defence of Nike, who make the lightweight boots he endorses and have been blamed for the frequency of his metatarsal bone fractures – three in the space of three years.

“I know there has been a lot of talk about the boots,” he said. “A lot of professionals who played the game years ago have been talking about them.

“But they are not running out in the boots, they do not know what they are like. The boots are fine. If you had a big lad like Michael Duberry stamp on your foot then it is quite likely it is going to break.

“My game is explosive. I try to be an explosive player and that is why it happens.” Rooney acknowledged United have not been at their best in his absence, but praised their defensive resilience and believes their performances will improve as new signings Carlos Tevez, Nani, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson settle in.

“Defensively we are playing really well – it’s three clean sheets on the run now,” he said. “We know the performances have not been the best, but the result is all that matters at the moment.

“We have got new players in the team and it takes a while to get to know their game. The more we play together the better it will get.

“You want to win and play well every week but every team have to take a below-par performance sometimes if it gets you three points.”

Last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rooney’s former club Everton at Goodison Park was a case in point and he said: “It was a great result for us because Everton away is always a difficult game. It looked like it was heading for a draw but Vida [Nemanja Vidic] popped up with a great header.”

Apart from Rooney, Hargreaves is also set to return in Lisbon after recovering from the thigh strain that kept him out of England’s recent Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia and the Everton game.

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Fergie: Ronaldo an unfair target

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is preparing himself for an emotional welcome back to Sporting Lisbon tonight but Sir Alex Ferguson is worried that his star winger isn't receiving such warm treatment from referees.

The United manager has expressed concern that the 22-year-old 2007 double Footballer of the Year has been targeted by referees and has become the victim of his success.

Ronaldo was sent off at Portsmouth in August and on his return from the three-match ban at Everton on Saturday was booked for alleged diving.

Fergie's mood and concern was not eased when he learned that German official Herbert Fandel is in charge tonight in the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Fandel has already sent off Roy Keane and Paul Scholes in previous Champions League seasons. When he was informed that Fandel was UEFA's choice for the match Fergie asked: "Have you got a supply of Mogadon?"

Clearly Ferguson is hoping Fandel will be calm in Portugal but Ronaldo's Goodison yellow card is a major fear for Fergie.

"At Portsmouth the sending off was quite ridiculous. At Everton it was even more ludicrous because quite clearly Ronaldo was tripped on the edge of the box," said the Reds' boss.

"Why would he go down when he could score a goal? The ref reacted far too quickly. That is a worrying aspect for us. It is almost as if he is punished for his success. We don't like that at all."

Ronaldo, however, preferred to remain tight-lipped.

Focus

"I only speak about this with my manager and my team. I don't speak about referees now," he said.

"What the boss says is true. But my focus is on the game to keep my concentration and do my best for United and not about the referee. I don't want to speak about that," said Ronaldo.

The Reds winger has had a torrid time returning to Portugal in the past against Porto and twice against Sporting's arch-Lisbon enemies Benfica.

A gesture to Benfica fans in December 2005 led to a one-match ban imposed by UEFA. But he is expecting a warm welcome back from the club and fans he left as an 18-year-old to join United in August 2003 for £12.5m.

"It is always good to come back," the Madeiran added.

"I wouldn't say it is my home but it is my second home. I had seven years here and I have a lot of friends here and colleagues.

"I think the people at Sporting like me. It is different to going to play Benfica. At Benfica everyone booed me but that is in the past. I think my reception here will be good.

"I like the club and respect them but my first colour now is red and I aim to win. I think we are the better team. I will do my best and am not sure how I will feel out there tonight.

"If I score I don't know how I will react!"

United had kept tabs on the teenage Ronaldo before a pre-season friendly four years ago to officially open the Jose Alvalade Stadium saw the winger destroy United.

Fergie immediately fast tracked the transfer.

Ronaldo said: "That was a spectacular match. I've watched it several times. It was the first game in the new stadium in front of a full house against United a team I had always dreamed of playing for.

"I don't need memories of that night as inspiration. I believe in my strength and motivation as it is. I can't wait."


Ron can show he's king

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the stage which launched his glittering Manchester United career tonight with a promise to show his former club Sporting Lisbon why he is now seen as the best player in the world.

Ronaldo came to the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson in the Jose Alvalade Stadium four years ago when United played Sporting in a friendly.

Such was his brilliance, United's players urged Fergie to do whatever it took to sign the precociously-talented 18-year-old.

Ronaldo was duly signed weeks later in a £12.24m deal.

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And Ronaldo admitted he still has a DVD of his display against United. "I have watched that match many times since then," he said.

"It was a spectacular match. It was the first game in the new stadium, a full house, against United, the team I had always dreamed of joining. And that dream came true for me."

He added: "It's always good to come back to Lisbon. I played here for seven years and have a lot of friends here. But my first call now is red and of course I want to help United win."

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Queiroz unsure over future

Carlos Queiroz has revealed he will take stock of his career in December, hinting he could leave Manchester United for a fresh challenge.

Queiroz has formed a bond with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the wily Scot has admitted the Portuguese should be in the frame to succeed him at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, though, has given no indication as to when he will step aside and it would appear as if Queiroz is getting itchy feet.

“I need to reflect on what I want to do in this last part of my career,” Queiroz told The Sun. “In December I’m going to stop and think about myself.

“My contract is perpetual and caters for various options. But I only have one life and one career. I am going to think about it and go for the route that makes me most happy.”

Queiroz left United in 2002 for a spell as Real Madrid coach before returning a year later and he is clearly keen to take on a top job again.

He said: “I read Sir Alex said that one day he would like me to be United’s main coach. That is one reason I am in this project but I’m not desperate about it.

“In your personal and professional life you always have more ambitions.”

[DatukSeks]

Carlos plays down United exit rumour

Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz has denied he is ready to walk out on the club and insists he wants "to be a part of" their future.

The Portuguese coach is currently in his second spell as Sir Alex Ferguson's number two at Old Trafford, but a report has suggested he may be ready to consider his options at the end of this year.

Ferguson himself recently highlighted Queiroz as his likely successor, although there is no suggestion the Scot will be ready to relinquish his role any time soon.

But rather than suffering from itchy feet as he awaits his promotion to the Red Devils hotseat, Queiroz insists he is content to remain in his current job.

"It is just a misunderstanding, for sure," he told Sky Sports News.

"I don't understand why that has come up, but the most important thing is that I'm happy, I'm very happy with the job and the position at Manchester United.

"The club is happy with me, so there's no reason to waste time with that issue."

He added: "There is nothing to comment about that because there is no sense to it."

Queiroz, 54, is thought to have played a key role in United's plundering of the Portuguese league this summer for some of the SuperLiga's top young talent in the form of Nani and Anderson.

And with that promising duo being added to more established young superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, the former Real Madrid coach is adamant there are few reasons to want to leave in the near future.

"Especially at this moment, we have made a lot of decisions with a medium and long-term view," he added.

"We expect a lot of things from our youngest players, talented players that we have got in the last season.

"So there are a lot of hopes and expectations about the future, and I want to be part of that future - it is really a big challenge for all of us."

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Originally Posted by DatukSeks

Carlos plays down United exit rumour

Eh...the media got the wrong rumour. It was actually the other Portuguese gentleman from Stamford Bridge that left.

[dc7176]

Originally Posted by qbdp

Eh...the media got the wrong rumour. It was actually the other Portuguese gentleman from Stamford Bridge that left.

mayb tat portuguese who left is takin over carlos position n than later SAF??

[Sayangku]

Frankly, would love Mourinho to be a part of Man U management, his charismatic personality will suit Man U popularism.

Dunno whats the possibility if Ferguson decide to take a 1 year break and let Mourinho and Carlos run the team for this season, a bit dangerous lah, but sounds exciting

[chickenzip]

I would not be surprised that JM could land onto OT....

In fact, i personally felt that the working style in OT could be better suit for JM.

[asiancigar]

Has Fergie Mucked Up United’s Attack?

If it aint broke, dont fix it!

So goes the mantra but why then has Sir Alex thrown caution to the wind and abandoned the attacking model that delivered so much success last season?

The question is being revisited again in the wake of yet another 1-0 triumph against Sporting Lisbon during which United’s attacking enterprise was muted.

“An unconvincing 1-0 victory over a Sporting Lisbon team failed to paper over the cracks that have emerged in the Barclays Premier League champions’ armoury,” ran a report in the Times newspaper.

“That United still struggled going forward was another telling reminder that the manager cannot persist without a striker in the Louis Saha mould for much longer.

“Ferguson’s decision to start with Saha on the substitutes’ bench was partly rooted in the knowledge that he can ill afford to take risks with a player with such a poor injury record, but who may yet play a pivotal role in United’s season.”

The press criticism seems unfair given that United are on a four game winning streak. But as ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, will testify, winning isn’t everything.

What is undoubtedly true is that many observers remain to be convinced by Ferguson’s bold and some would say needless tinkering with United’s forward options.

United won the title last year with the most potent attack in the land. Neverthless, for the last four months of the campaign, Sir Alex’s team functioned without a classic N° 9. Louis Saha’s injuries meant that several players - Giggs, Smith, Larsson and Solskjaer filled in alongside Wayne Rooney. Did this give rise to the idea of dispensing with a goal poacher?

But why make such a dramatic change? Most observers agreed that United needed attacking reinforcement at the end of the last glorious campaign but not a change to the attacking model that had served the team so well. Exchange Saha for Berbatov or a similar leading front man by all means. But force Wayne Rooney to become the new Saha? No way!

Perhaps, Fergie believed that he would get the best of both worlds. Rooney is one of the best footballers in the business. He has the instinct and skills allotted only to genius. If United could increase his goal ratio by 30% by playing him higher up the field, he would be the complete attacking player and give United so much more than any of the over-priced frontmen who might be available.

It was a gamble the manager was ready to take. But Fergie’s plans came unstuck in game one when Michael Duberry trod on Rooney’s foot during the match between United and Reading and put the striker out for a month.

Yet, the manager plainly has not abandoned his vision of Rooney’s development. Some observers suggest that United are merely following the trends of modern football. Successful teams are seamlessly integrated, complete with quick, mobile, interchangeable athletes, capable of such dizzying movement that they can unsettle even the most composed defences. The loan deal for Carlos Tevez surely fits into such thinking.

And yet, are there hints that the change to Rooney’s role is nothing more than a season’s convenience?

The Times believes the manager cannot avoid the accumulated evidence. It claimed: “As a former centre forward, Sir Alex Ferguson knows better than most the importance of having a target man, someone who can lead the line. Without one, the balance of a team can be affected, as Manchester United have discovered this season.”

No matter how fluid the system, sooner or later a team requires a front man who can play with his back to goal and receive and distribute the ball with composure. At the highest level, teams need scorers. This is an art known only to those involved in its careful execution over many many years. Rooney may be a sublime talent but it is still doubtful whether he will ever rival the lethal touch in front of goal or Ruud Van Nistelrooy or indeed, Michael Owen, without losing some of the qualities which contribute so much to United’s play.

The manager speaks more favourably of Saha’s contribution these days, a change of heart which seems to be mirrored among the United faithful too. Rumours persist in Bulgaria that United will follow up their interest in Dimitar Berbatov next summer, raising the prospect of Saha and Tevez moving on, with Rooney reverting back to his more natural role 10 yards behind the lead attacker.

[asiancigar]

Sir Alex Ferguson salutes old rival Mourinho
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 1:18am BST 22/09/2007

Sir Alex Ferguson did not always see eye-to-eye with Jose Mourinho, but admitted yesterday that he would miss the swagger that the former Chelsea manager brought to the Premier League.

"He was terrific for football and terrific for Chelsea," said Ferguson, the Manchester United manager. "He brought something fresh to our game and I enjoyed the competition with him. I wish him well. He enjoyed unparalleled success there. It is a big test for whoever replaces him – and at the moment that is Avram Grant."

United, who face Chelsea tomorrow, have had four straight victories -– albeit all 1-0 – but they have been laboured affairs and, but for the excellence of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in defence, points would have been dropped.

Ferguson did not dissent from this analysis and the United manager indicated he was still not sure what his best side was or how best to utilise striking options that include Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez.

"I don't know what the optimum formation is because I don't have the evidence," he said. "At the moment we are gradually getting back towards our better form. But with players coming back from injury, we have achieved quite a bit. Four 1-0 wins are not something we are renowned for but they are victories."

The problems Ferguson face are essentially those that contributed to Mourinho's downfall –how to integrate expensive footballers into an already successful side. Mourinho never found a coherent role for Michael Ballack and Andrei Shevchenko and you wonder where Tevez, Anderson and Nani will all fit in at Old Trafford.

"The blending of the team is an issue," Ferguson said. "We don't know who can play with whom because they are all new players. But we think that they are players with ability and potential."

The only one of his forward line who looks comfortable is Louis Saha, and that may be because he knows his role as United's spearhead. "Saha gives me a different type of player to anyone else," said Ferguson. "He came on against Sunderland and scored and he came on against Sporting Lisbon and made a great contribution. We hope he does stay fit because he has a big, big chance."

[asiancigar]

Ronaldo under probe for stamping on fan

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a police probe after claims that the Manchester United star stamped on an Everton supporter during his side’s win at Goodison Park.

Merseyside Police are speaking to witnesses and studying closed circuit television footage to determine if Carl Lloyd’s allegation that the Portugal star stamped on him during United’s 1-0 victory last Saturday is true.

Lloyd, a 34-year-old joiner, said he needed hospital treatment following the incident with Ronaldo. Lloyd had tried to retrieve the ball when it went out of play near where he was sitting.

“I’ve been in excruciating pain. I don’t know if I’ll work again any time soon,” he told the Daily Post. “I couldn’t believe what happened. All I was doing was trying to retrieve the ball.”

A Merseyside Police spokesman confirmed Lloyd had made an official complaint and the probe is ongoing. – AFP

CCB.... yet another gold digger trying his luck....

Cheerz
AC

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Fergie hails stalwart Vidic
United boss has praised Serbian's defensive qualities

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Nemanja Vidic's no-nonsense attitude in defence.

Vidic is renowned for his tough-tackling nature, and has provided the perfect complement for his technically gifted defensive partner Rio Ferdinand.

The Serbian has formed a formidable partnership with the England international, and their understanding provided a solid foundation for United's title success last season.

No messing

Ferguson has likened Vidic to Red Devils legend Steve Bruce for his constant bravery in defence.

And he has also expressed his delight at the manner in which Vidic is not afraid to put his foot through the ball when necessary .

"Nemanja reminds me of Steve Bruce in the sense he always asks a question of defenders," Ferguson explained.

"He wants to know whether they have the courage to put their head in front of his.

"There is no question he can play, there is not a doubt about it. But he doesn't mess about in terms of clearing the ball. He acts like a defender."

Attacking threat

The centre-half proved a useful option from set-pieces last term as he scored five goals, and Ferguson has backed Vidic to better last season's tally.

"He got me five goals last season and has already got one this year," he added.

"I think he can easily get between five and 10 because he has got just the right qualities."


Brown committed to United cause

Wes Brown is determined to see out the rest of his career with Manchester United.

Now happily over the nightmare run of injuries which plagued his early days at Old Trafford, Brown is approaching a decade of service at United.

With his contract due to expire next summer, the 27-year-old has picked the perfect time to hit top form.

Currently deputising for skipper Gary Neville at right-back, Brown provided the cross for Cristiano Ronaldo's match-winner against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, capping a performance which Sir Alex Ferguson described as his best of the season so far.

Although Brown knows he will probably lose his place to Neville once his England team-mate fully recovers from the thigh and calf problems which have hampered his comeback from ankle surgery, he remains committed to the Red Devils cause, even though he would be an attractive proposition for most of United's top-flight rivals should he ever decide to move.

"I have always tried my best for the team," said Brown.

"I have been here nine years now and I would do anything for the club.

"It is good to know how highly I am valued by the manager. It is certainly hard to imagine ever playing for anyone else.

"Hopefully that won't happen. I am happy here and hopefully I can stay here."

With Neville definitely out of tomorrow's showdown with Chelsea, Brown will keep his place at right-back.

Like all his team-mates, he was staggered to learn of Jose Mourinho's departure when news filtered through on the flight home from Portugal.

And the Longsight-born defender shares the almost unanimous opinion that Mourinho will be a big loss, not just to Chelsea but the English game as a whole.

"It was a shock," said Brown.

"English football is going to miss him because he was a different character who brought a lot to the game here.

"You have to respect what he has achieved and no matter what he moves onto, I am sure he will do well.

"It is certainly a sad day for Chelsea because he will be a big loss to them.

"They really have to get their heads down and get over it but he has won so many trophies for them, I don't believe it will blow over as quickly as that."

Brown's versatility has been rewarded not only with ever-present status at United this term but also a regular place in Steve McClaren's England squad

He won his 13th cap in the friendly defeat to Germany last month and while he did not add to that number in the recent wins over Israel and Russia, he was among the substitutes on both occasions as England stormed to successive three-goal victories.

Brown is the first to admit he still has plenty to learn, especially in relation to his full-back duties.

But already he is showing a previously unseen expansive side to his game if not quite in the Cristiano Ronaldo category, then quite eye-catching nonetheless.

"I do have licence to do a few more things but I have not brought anything out for the last seven years, so I have forgotten some of the tricks," he smiled.

"Bombing down the touchline is definitely different.

"I am the first to say I can improve in a lot of areas but my crossing is coming on, which is important because it can be a good source of goals.

"But I do like playing at right-back, even if sometimes I still just have defending on my mind, which can be a bit of a problem."

After four successive single-goal victories, United are in danger of pinching Chelsea's tag as the 1-0 kings.

Narrow triumphs are not something Old Trafford has become used to down the years and the sequence should not continue for long given the United squad contains such attacking talents as Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Louis Saha.

But Brown, along with all his team-mates, would be just delighted if four such wins became five tomorrow.

"We would definitely settle for 1-0," he said.

"As a player, there is nothing better than knowing you have come through a really tough, hard game.

"Despite what has happened this week, I still expect Chelsea to be our biggest rivals for the title.

"They have been there for the last three or four years, so while Jose will be a big loss, their players know what they have to do and what they are capable of doing.

"So, whether it comes in the sixth minute or the 88th, I would take 1-0 right now."

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Rooney ready for Chelsea
United star ups the ante ahead of Sunday's key clash

Wayne Rooney believes a Manchester United win at the weekend would inflict further psychological damage on Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho's sensational departure this week has cast a shadow of doubt over Stamford Bridge, with Rooney ready to compound the gloom in West London.

Having taken just a solitary point from their last two matches Chelsea will be desperate to avoid defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday, in a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

New incumbent Avram Grant will be well aware a number of Chelsea supporters view his appointment with scepticism and Rooney is eager to sow a further seed of uncertainty.

Confidence

"If we can win, that would be Chelsea getting one point from nine in their last three games," Rooney told MUTV.

"You never know what that might do to their confidence.

"I know we didn't have the best of starts this season but it is amazing how quickly it has turned round.

"Now we have a chance to go three points in front of them, which makes it a massive game, even if it is not going to decide the title."

Rooney, set to start his second game in succession following a return from a fractured foot, still expects Chelsea to be the team United will have to finish above this season if they are to retain the title.

Retains respect

"You have to regard Chelsea as the main threat," he said.

"They have won two titles out of the last three but they have had a difficult start because, like ourselves, they have had a lot of injuries.

"It will be a lot tougher this year anyway because clubs like Everton and Tottenham have really good squads now. Liverpool will be up there and Arsenal have had a fantastic start.

"We just have to keep plugging away and picking points up."

Ferguson hoping for sustained Saha fitness

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Louis Saha to help guide Manchester United to glory this season, provided the striker can stay fit.

The Red Devils manager has spoken of the impact he believes the 29-year-old could have on the champions’ season if he manages to stay injury-free.

Saha has suffered from a litany of fitness problems since arriving at the club from Fulham at the start of 2004, but his recent form has prompted Ferguson to come out and highlight the alternative attacking option the France international offers.

Saha scored the only goal in United’s 1-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford three weeks ago, and he also impressed in the win against Everton and the midweek Champions League triumph over Sporting.

"Louis is a different type of player to anyone else I have at the club," said Ferguson.

"If you look at last season, he had already scored 12 goals up to the point where he got his injury in December. If he had stayed fit, he might have got us 30.

"He has already come on against Sunderland and scored an important goal for us and changed it for us against Sporting on Wednesday at a point when Wayne was starting to tire.

"If Louis stays fit, we have a big, big chance this year."

Despite the Scot’s praise for Saha, the forward is likely to start on the bench against Chelsea on Sunday, a game for which the anticipation has been heightened by the sudden departure of Jose Mourinho.

[asiancigar]

Sir Bobby Robson: Mourinho perfect for Old Trafford
Last updated at 00:19am on 23rd September 2007

Guessing the next Manchester United manager has been a national pastime for years. Now we can all add the name of another candidate — Jose Mourinho.

I've no doubt that when my friend, Sir Alex Ferguson, steps down — and I hope it's a long time away — Jose will be the first choice of the United board. After all, he has a proven track record in England, loves the country and the passion for football and, importantly, his family like living here.

I don't think Jose can go to another Premier League club immediately and will probably want to recharge his batteries. But down the line, I can't see how he could resist United.

He won't be the only candidate of course, everyone will want the job.

But while the fans may press for an ex-United player like Mark Hughes or Roy Keane, their CVs can't match Jose's.

And United will demand the best.




Here is my job.... good luck and do take care of my young babies Ron & Roon....


wah...... isn't this an interesting proposition.....

[asiancigar]

Rooney ready for Chelsea
United star ups the ante ahead of Sunday's key clash
Last updated: 22nd September 2007

Wayne Rooney believes a Manchester United win at the weekend would inflict further psychological damage on Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho's sensational departure this week has cast a shadow of doubt over Stamford Bridge, with Rooney ready to compound the gloom in West London.

Having taken just a solitary point from their last two matches Chelsea will be desperate to avoid defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday, in a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

New incumbent Avram Grant will be well aware a number of Chelsea supporters view his appointment with scepticism and Rooney is eager to sow a further seed of uncertainty.

Confidence
"If we can win, that would be Chelsea getting one point from nine in their last three games," Rooney told MUTV.

"You never know what that might do to their confidence.

"I know we didn't have the best of starts this season but it is amazing how quickly it has turned round.

"Now we have a chance to go three points in front of them, which makes it a massive game, even if it is not going to decide the title."

Rooney, set to start his second game in succession following a return from a fractured foot, still expects Chelsea to be the team United will have to finish above this season if they are to retain the title.

Retains respect
"You have to regard Chelsea as the main threat," he said.

"They have won two titles out of the last three but they have had a difficult start because, like ourselves, they have had a lot of injuries.

"It will be a lot tougher this year anyway because clubs like Everton and Tottenham have really good squads now. Liverpool will be up there and Arsenal have had a fantastic start.

"We just have to keep plugging away and picking points up."