Wayne Rooney has warned the Premier League not to assume Manchester United's decline is permanent, insisting the club will never endure a title drought like Liverpool's. The United striker, speaking ahead of this weekend's clash at Old Trafford, acknowledged Liverpool's strength but dismissed any comparison between United's current struggles and Liverpool's 22-year wait for a league title.
Rooney praised Luis Suarez as an 'incredible player' on par with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but stressed that United are focused on their own revival. 'Anyone who thinks this is the start of a decline couldn't be more wrong,' Rooney said. 'This is a one-off. The sheer size of Manchester United makes what has happened to Liverpool unthinkable for us.'
The England striker admitted the season has been disappointing but insisted the squad is determined to prove the doubters wrong. 'There's a lot of anger and hurt inside our dressing room. We all hate seeing Manchester United so far away from the top. It's a blow to our pride, but we all want to prove it won't be long before we are champions again.'
Rooney also revealed that manager David Moyes played a key role in his decision to sign a new contract, despite initial fears he was being forced out. The 28-year-old has backed Moyes to succeed, calling his appointment the start of a new era rather than the end of United's dominance.
