Rooney: Victory Vital This Weekend

Wayne Rooney believes a victory this weekend is vital for Manchester United’s chances of reaching the top four.

The Reds visit struggling Sunderland in Saturday’s early kick-off, before league leaders Leicester City visit fourth-placed Arsenal on Sunday, the same day fellow title-chasers Manchester and Tottenham face off at the Etihad Stadium.

United are currently four points adrift of the Champions League places but the skipper feels this round of fixtures offers a prime opportunity to make up ground on the top flight’s leading pack.

“It probably is a must-win game,” he assessed, in an exclusive interview with MUTV. “We want to get into that top four again and try and push as high up the table as possible. The only way we can do that is by winning games.

“Sunderland’s ground is one that we’ve had a lot of good results at in the past, and we want a good performance, but I think on Saturday the most important thing is the result.

“They’re fighting for survival and obviously they have a passionate crowd so we know it’s going to be a difficult game for us.

“The one thing we can’t do is let their fans get their players up on the pitch. We need to try and quieten the crowd at every opportunity we get, but I think the one thing we know that will 100 per cent happen is (they’ll) fight for the win.”

Rooney could again be supported in attack by Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, and the 30-year-old has plenty of praise for his young team-mates’ recent performances. Lingard’s stunning goal at Chelsea last week was his second in as many games, while Frenchman Martial has also been a regular starter in the team since the Reds’ improved form at the turn of the year.

“I think both have very bright futures ahead of them,” said United’s skipper. “They’re playing well and tie defenders up which creates space for other attacking players and midfield players.

“Hopefully they continue with their form and I’m sure if they do we’ll have a better chance.”

As for Lingaard’s “dab” goal celebration, Rooney insists the travelling United fans won’t see him replicate the move should he hit the back of the net on Saturday.

“He’s been trying to get me to do it with him. Maybe if I was ten years younger I’d do it with him!” said the 30-year-old. “I think it’s something going around on the internet and I suppose Jesse’s jumped on the bandwagon!”