|
|
Wayne Rooney says Manchester United have to beat Liverpool
The lunchtime kick-off between the arch-rivals is sure to be a hotly-contested encounter, but the Red Devils' striker, himself born on Merseyside, insists victory is imperative
11 Feb 2012 10:28:00
By Tom Marshall-Bailey
Getty Images
Wayne Rooney believes that this weekend's derby match with Liverpool is Manchester United's biggest game of the season and insists that only a win will do at Old Trafford on Saturday.
With Manchester City now challenging Sir Alex Ferguson's men for the title, the Manchester derby may be seen by some as more of a glamour tie as United face a Liverpool team who can, for this season at least, realistically only fight for a fourth-placed finish.
Rooney though, feels that this game will always be special for himself and both sets of supporters.
"United versus Liverpool has always been a massive game - it’s a game between the two biggest clubs in England," he told the matchday programme, United Review.
"I used to watch the matches all the time when I was growing up and I always supported United in them! To be part of them now is fantastic but it’s a game you never want to lose."
Much has been made in the build-up to this game about the saga involving Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra; the Uruguayan international plays only his second match since returning from suspension imposed when he was found guilty of directing racist abuse at the United defender in the reverse fixture between the two teams in October.
Rooney, however, wants to focus on matters on the field, rather than off it.
"We’re all focused on the game," he added. "There’s always a big buzz around Old Trafford for this fixture. The rivalry goes back years regardless of where the teams are in the league. There are three points at stake and that’s what both teams will be going for."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
With Manchester City now challenging Sir Alex Ferguson's men for the title, the Manchester derby may be seen by some as more of a glamour tie as United face a Liverpool team who can, for this season at least, realistically only fight for a fourth-placed finish.
Rooney though, feels that this game will always be special for himself and both sets of supporters.
"United versus Liverpool has always been a massive game - it’s a game between the two biggest clubs in England," he told the matchday programme, United Review.
"I used to watch the matches all the time when I was growing up and I always supported United in them! To be part of them now is fantastic but it’s a game you never want to lose."
Much has been made in the build-up to this game about the saga involving Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra; the Uruguayan international plays only his second match since returning from suspension imposed when he was found guilty of directing racist abuse at the United defender in the reverse fixture between the two teams in October.
Rooney, however, wants to focus on matters on the field, rather than off it.
"We’re all focused on the game," he added. "There’s always a big buzz around Old Trafford for this fixture. The rivalry goes back years regardless of where the teams are in the league. There are three points at stake and that’s what both teams will be going for."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
