Wayne Rooney: beating ManCity would make title moresatisfying

Manchester United striker Wayne
Rooney says winning the Premier
League this year would be more
satisfying because of Manchester
City’s challenge.
Rooney said United’ s “dented pride” in the 6-1
home thrashing by City, and watching their
neighbours top the table since October, has
spurred them on.
“We have stuck in there and kept going, kept
working and we’ve gone above them,” he told
BBC Football Focus.
“If we can win this league it will be very
satisfying for all the players.”
Asked directly whether it would make it more
satisfying to win this season because they would
be beating City, Rooney was emphatic.
“Yes, of course,” he said. “There was one stage
[when] we weren’t expected to win the league,
which is mad when you are talking about Man
United.
“It is great we are back on top and the aim is to
stay there.”
Reflecting on the “nightmare” defeat by City in
October, Rooney admitted the result had really
hurt.
“Yes, of course. It dents your pride,” he said.
“We are all proud people and we don’t want to
lose like that, particularly at home against your
closest rivals. It was a nightmare game for us.
“It was important we came back well and strong
from that. I think the next six games after that
were one-nil victories, which was important so
we put it out of our minds and look forward.
“I hope we don’t experience a day like that
again.”
The 26-year-old’s rich form has helped United
climb above Roberto Mancini’s side, and he
scored one of his best goals of the season on
Thursday in the club’s otherwise disappointing
Europa League exit to Athletic Bilbao.
And Rooney said that consistency and happiness
has been the key to his 28 goals in 33 games for
the club in all competitions this season.
“I am happy [and] I am playing well,” he said.
“The team are playing well and I am really
settled and enjoying my football.