Wayne Rooney: Arsenal for the title? Let's not get carried away

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has cast doubt over title rivals Arsenal’s ability to maintain their superb form over the coming months.

The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the table going into Sunday’s Premier League clash against United at Old Trafford.

And Rooney is already beginning the mind games ahead of the crunch game, claiming that Arsene Wenger’s side are not strong enough to last the pace.

“We’ll have to wait and see where Arsenal are in March,” Rooney told Sky Sports. ”We’ve seen before that they’ve been in the top two until February or March and then faded away.

“They are doing brilliantly at the minute, so it’s down to them to try and stay there and us to catch them.”

Speaking of Sunday’s game, Rooney revealed his confidence at beating a strong Arsenal side, despite the difference in their league positions.

“We’re obviously capable of beating Arsenal,” said Rooney. “We’ve done it many times in the past. They’re on a good run of form at the moment, and they’re top of the league, so we know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“But we have to go into it with confidence and a belief this is when we can edge closer to them and bring us back into the mix of being at the top of the league.

“There are only nine or 10 games gone so there’s no big worry at the moment. We’re starting to do well. We’re confident at the minute, we’re getting more clean sheets and playing with freedom.

“If we can get the victory on Sunday then we’re in a great position.”

Rooney will be the key player in David Moyes’ plans as they welcome Arsenal, as the striker has five goals and three assists from nine games.