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Rooney 'not worried' about inexperienced City

Wayne Rooney believes his side are still on course to win the title © Getty Images

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is "not worried" about Manchester City's title threat, insisting United can still win the Premier League title because they are always stronger in the second half of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are currently five points behind Manchester City in the league table, having suffered a humbling 6-1 home defeat to their cross-city rivals earlier in the campaign. Despite that early gap, however, Rooney believes it would be an error to dismiss United's chances so soon - as they always find another gear as the campaign goes on.

"It's always dangerous to write off Manchester United. It has happened a few times and we have usually proved everybody wrong," Rooney told The Sun. "It was said last year, because at this time last season people were saying we were playing badly and no one believed we would be champions.

"But we got our heads down, worked hard and started winning games even though we weren't at our best - and slowly we got better and better.

"In the end we won the league again, our 19th title, and that's why I believe we will come out on top again this season.

We have a good enough squad and if we are in a good position come the new year we will do what we always do - we will push on again."

As far as current leaders City are concerned, Rooney is not fearful of Roberto Mancini's in-form side because they do not have enough experience of being involved in a title challenge. He has also warned the club to expect retribution for that mauling at Old Trafford when they meet at the Etihad Stadium later in the season.

"We know what it takes to win the league, we have that knowledge, that experience and that's something City just don't have. So I'm not worried," he said.

"They have started well and they look strong so, yes, it is a good challenge for us. As United players we have to stand up to it and show what we are capable of - show we are capable of winning the league again.

"And people should remember we have the opportunity to put that 6-1 right when we go to City later this season. We'll be fully focused on that."

That does not mean Rooney - who has been passed fit to face Newcastle on Saturday - expects the Red Devils to eventually cruise to their 20th league title, however. Indeed, the England international believes there are as many as six teams who could make an impact on this season's title race.

"When you play for Manchester United you know you will have a number of teams who will rival you for the title and Man City have now joined the race. But City aren't the only ones who can win the league this year apart from us," he said.

"There are five or six teams in the running still. I certainly wouldn't write off Chelsea or Arsenal just yet and Tottenham and Liverpool are both going well right now."

On the pitch Rooney has occasionally been selected in a deeper role by his manager this season, bolstering a midfield that has been struck by injuries and out-of-form players. Rooney admits he has enjoyed the occasional change of role in many ways, but still sees his long-term future as a forward.

"I feel I have learnt a lot from it and I am confident that if I ever was to make the change to an out-and-out midfielder, I could cope with the role," he said. "I like the fact that you are constantly involved and get more touches on the ball and are able to spray passes around.

"But first and foremost I am a striker, I have played there all my career and ideally that's where I want to play."

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