As Manchester United cruised at 40,000 feet towards Russia and their encounter with CSKA Moscow, Wayne Rooney insisted his career will remain on its stellar trajectory for a few seasons yet.
It is a notable week in the Liverpudlian’s high-flying career. The United captain turns 30 on Saturday, and before then leads the team in their third Group B game, at the Arena Khimki tonight, while on Sunday Manchester City are at Old Trafford for the 170th derby.
Speaking on United's chartered flight Rooney was in ultra-professional mode. The focus is on Leonid Slutsky's CSKA side and maintaining momentum in the Champions League. After losing their Group B opener at PSV Eindhoven, United's campaign was kick-started by victory over Wolfsburg on matchday two.
“We fought hard last season to make sure we were back in the Champions League so we have to focus on that, for us at the minute the most important game is the next one,” said Rooney.
“CSKA is a big game for us because it’s a tight group, we are all on three points and we want three points and it’s a game we have to win. We have prepared well with a good win at Everton [on Saturday] and training has gone well over the last couple of days.”
While United head to Russia, City are preparing to play Sevilla at the Etihad Stadium, and Louis van Gaal believes this gives Manuel Pellegrini's side an advantage for the derby.
"Manchester City has a benefit because they are playing at home and that is a difference," he said. "You have the benefit of the recuperation. So they have more rest. There is nothing you can do. We do a lot of things to try and help. We have cold baths, we have warm baths, less training sessions and practice so the freshness is good enough to beat City. But first we have to beat Moscow. "
Rooney will hope his own stuttering start is over after registering the third against Everton, the first Premier League goal he had scored away from Old Trafford for 11 months.
Despite his uneven form Rooney is United's highest scorer this term with six goals. His 236 for United leaves him only one behind Denis Law and 13 away from equalling Bobby Charlton's club-record 249.
More years
Rooney is sure there will be many more years yet for him to add to the count.
“I physically feel good and obviously it’s a big birthday in anyone’s life, your 30th birthday,” he said. “But in terms of me and football I still feel I am still young enough, and that I have a lot of years ahead of me.
“I feel fitter and fresher than I ever have done really so for me it’s a number.”
Rooney is proud about being close to overhauling Law’s mark. “Yeah, of course [its important]. He is such a huge player in the club’s history so hopefully that can happen but if it doesn’t happen it’s not something I am particularly worried about,” he said.
What is vital for the moment is the next game and beating CSKA as United – and Rooney – try and claim the game’s blue riband club competition again.
“To win the trophy, it’s obviously great memories,” the forward said of being part of the triumphant 2008 team.
Great regret
Alex Ferguson
has repeatedly stated that his great regret, looking back over his time as United manager, is that he could not inspire United to more than two Champions League titles. Rooney says his one winner’s medal has not sated his desire for success.
“I am delighted to have won it in my time here, but it is disappointing to lose two finals [in 2009 and 2011] so it would be nice if we go on a good run and try and get success again,” he said. Guardian Service
