Rooney: We Are Ready

The big games just keep on coming for Manchester United and Wayne Rooney insists that’s exactly the way the players like it.

Hot on the heels of the Reds’ visit to the Emirates last Sunday is an FA Cup clash at Anfield followed by a trio of vital league games with Stoke (home), Chelsea (away) and Liverpool (home). Rooney believes the next month could turn out to be a significant period in the title race and insists United are more than up to the task.

“They are all difficult games but as a footballer, these are the games you want to play in,” Rooney told ManUtd.com. "We understand and know what we have to do. We need to do well in those games.

“As far as the players are concerned we have to take each game as it comes, prepare ourselves the best way we can and hopefully we can get the results we need."

Sir Alex hailed his team’s positivity and self-belief after the victory over the Gunners and Rooney feels marrying that to concentration and focus will make the Reds hard to stop.

“As a player you relish this part of the season and I always feel we’re at our best when it gets past new year because we can see the end of the season and that there are trophies to be won,” added Rooney. “Keeping your concentration and staying focused is therefore very important.

“After coming through the Christmas period when we played a lot of games, it’s been quite unusual in the last few weeks that we’ve only had one game. It’s been good to get some good training in and I think that will benefit us going into the games coming up.

“Once you get into the New Year you know every game is a massive one and you don’t want to be dropping points. That’s why we need to stay focused. The next three or four weeks will be exciting. Hopefully we come through them.”