Roo: Title chase is tougher than it used to be
WAYNE ROONEY already has five Premier League winner’s medals safely locked away in his trophy cabinet at home.
But he is well aware that collecting a sixth one next May would be the toughest yet.
Not only because Manchester United’s team has changed so much under Louis van Gaal, but because the level of competition has increased.
Victory over Sunderland last Saturday took United to the top of the League for the first time in over two years, but their title credentials will be tested when they face Arsenal this afternoon.
But Rooney believes that there are now more searching examinations throughout the season than in years gone by.
Clubs like Swansea, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Leicester have all invested in stellar signings, and the big boys don’t have it all their own way any more.
“Being at the top is where were want to be but it’s a tough league with some very good teams,” he reasons.
“Perhaps six or seven years ago, there were games where you knew you would win. Now teams have progressed and you have to be at your best to get the points.
“It’s harder for everyone. It will be the team that has a good run of consistency and takes advantage of that.
“At the moment, we’re doing well but we know we have some tough games coming up, so we have to be focused.
“You now see teams at the bottom of the League buying players for a lot of money. It makes for a better league.
“In the past, you could be leading 3 or 4-0 and take your foot off the gas, see it out and concentrate on the next game. Now you must keep on to the end.
“It’s always a tough game for us at the Emirates, but the Arsenal players will know it’s a big game for them as well.
“We need to stop their danger players and take our chances. But it’s a chance to extend our gap over Arsenal and make sure we stay top going into the international break.”
Rooney is one of just seven players left at Old Trafford who won the title in 2013, but he’s been delighted to have a World Cup winner around to offer words of wisdom.
Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived in the summer from Bayern Munich and Rooney’s in no doubt about the impact of Germany’s captain.
“Bastian has been brilliant since he came in, and not just on the pitch,” he states. “He is using his experience to help a lot of the players.
“He does that just by how he is around the place, especially with the younger players. I’m sure the lads will get the benefit from that.”