Wayne Rooney has broken ranks at Old Trafford and admitted beating Liverpool’s record haul of league titles is always on his mind.
Manchester United would overtake Liverpool at the top of the pile if they win a 19th league title this season.
But while his boss Sir Alex Ferguson has played down the significance of the feat, Rooney who was key to United’s 1-0 win over Bolton yesterday, has revved up the rivalry with the Mersey mob.
And for him, landing the crown at the end of the term would be a double delight as it would satisfy his Everton roots as well. He said: “It is something I have been thinking about a lot.
“Coming from Liverpool and growing up as an Everton fan, to be part of the team that Âovertakes Liverpool would mean so much to us players as well as the fans.
“I know all Everton fans want us to do it and it’s our aim.’’
Rooney is dreaming of a Treble with United taking on derby rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley and looking ahead to a tasty Champions League Âquarter-final clash with Chelsea, with the first leg on April 6 at Stamford Bridge.
Rooney, 25, added: “I was absolutely made up with the FA Cup draw and I am confident we can beat Manchester City.
“I’m desperate to win the FA Cup, having lost in two finals. I think we have a great chance of going all the way this time.
“But at the moment you just look forward to every game at this stage of the season and you have to enjoy it – especially when you are in the running for trophies.
“It’s exciting for the fans and it’s exciting for the players as well, knowing that you’re just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two.’’
Rooney’s own confidence that medals are heading his way has been increased by the return from injury of wideman Antonio Valencia.
The Ecuadorian winger, 25, has now made two substitute appearances and started yesterday following his return to action from an ankle injury he picked up in September.
Rooney added: “I was probably the happiest person in the team to see him back and he looks like he has never been away.
“Having Nani on one wing and Antonio on the other is fantastic because they each bring something different.
“Nani has created a lot of goals but he’s more about dribbling and getting shots off while Antonio is more focused on getting down the line and whipping the ball in.
“It is a good mixture for us to have.’’
