Wayne Rooney is confident that United will start challenging for the league title next season, but he has admitted that everything depends upon a good start.
After the arrival of Louis van Gaal last season, United took a few months in order to settle under the tactics of the Dutchman. This season, though, they have the comfort of having already played for the last 12 months under van Gaal. The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss also has a better understanding of his players. A strong start off the line is very much key towards keeping pace with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
Last season, the 29-year-old finished the season with 14 goals in 33 appearances. He will be looking for a much better return from his boot given that Rooney is likely to be the first choice striker after the departure of Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has joined Fenerbahce in a £ 4.5 million deal, which leaves Rooney as the recognised top striker upfront. Van Gaal has hinted that new signing Memphis Depay could also be used in this position if he adapts to the tactics. Rooney has pointed out to the fact that United managed only 13 points from the opening 10 games last season.
“I honestly believe we will go far next year and won’t be far off challenging for the league.If you look at the first 10 to 11 games we only had around 13 points, and if you look at where we finished I think it shows we could have been up there with a better start.We’ve dominated and outplayed most teams this season but haven’t taken our chances to win those games, it could have been a different story if we had.The most important thing is that as a squad we believe we are close to challenging for the title,” said Rooney.