• Premier League

Rooney: We will be at our best

ESPN staff
April 8, 2013
Hargreaves predicts 'exciting' derby

Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester City that there will be no complacency among the Manchester United ranks ahead of their derby clash at Old Trafford on Monday.

Premier League leaders United go into the game 15 points clear of second-placed City with just eight games of the season left to play.

Such a big lead at the top has led many to assume that the title is destined for Old Trafford, even if City emerge as victors of the Manchester derby. Rooney, however, in line with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, is taking nothing for granted and insists his side will be fully focused on securing the three points.

"One bad game and everything could fall and so we go out and play each game with a positive attitude,'' Rooney told the Daily Mail. "We have to stay focused. We have to make sure we keep doing our job and keep our concentration.''

United lost out on the title on the final day of last season with Sergio Aguero's injury-time strike against Queens Park Rangers ensuring City became champions of England for the first time since 1968.

Rooney admits his memories of that day are painful but says the Red Devils have been using that negative experience to help fire them to the title this time around.

"To lose the league in the last second [last season] was a bad feeling,'' Rooney said. "But when you are at a club like United, you have to be full of motivation and desire to win every year. That comes from the manager and all the players are aware of it. The club and the players have to be full of that desire. That's why the club has been so successful.''

Rooney, who picked up a groin injury while on England duty in Montenegro last month, is hoping to make his comeback against City.

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