LONDON: Wayne Rooney’s excellent form in Manchester United’s march to a 20th Premier League title is giving the England striker an opportunity to close in on some legendary names in the club’s all-time scorers list.
United has moved five points clear of local rival Manchester City with seven rounds to go largely on the back of Rooney’s eight goals in his past seven matches, taking his tally to 28 in all competitions this season and 175 overall.
Ahead of the visit of relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers to Old Trafford on Sunday, Rooney is four goals behind George Best and Dennis Viollet, who are tied for third in United’s list. “I’ve seen about the all-time scoring record and a few people have reminded me of it as well, but I’m still a long, long way away from Sir Bobby (Charlton, on 249 goals) and Denis Law (on 237),” Rooney said.
If United wins an eighth straight league match, City will go to third-place Arsenal later Sunday with an eight-point deficit — having held a five-point lead back in December.
“I don’t think this championship is finished,” City manager Roberto Mancini said Thursday.
City have won just one of its past four games and lost its perfect record at home in the league this season by drawing 3-3 with Sunderland.
With Sergio Aguero fighting to be fit after an ankle problem, Mancini may decide it is time to start another Argentina striker, Carlos Tevez, for the first time since he ended his strike at the club in February. Tevez has come on as a substitute in City’s last three games, but has yet to score this season.
Arsenal’s seven-match winning streak was ended by QPR last weekend, allowing Tottenham to wipe out the three-point deficit to its north London rival. Arsene Wenger’s side has, though, won its past six games at home — scoring 23 goals in the process — and has the league’s top scorer with Robin van Persie grabbing 26 goals. Tottenham visits Sunderland on Saturday, while Chelsea and Newcastle are five points further back ahead of games against Wigan and Newcastle, respectively. (Agencies)