Rooney: This is the start of a big three weeks for us
What you need to know:
- The Red Devils travel to St James’ Park hoping to hang on to their place in the top four as they push for a return to the Champions League later this year.
- After visiting the North East, Louis Van Gaal’s team play Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final, before league matches against Tottenham and Liverpool - two clubs also chasing a top-four berth.
- Rooney played in attack on Saturday and rewarded his manager’s decision with both goals in a 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney has insisted that the trip to Newcastle tonight signals the start of a period that could define their season.
The Red Devils travel to St James’ Park hoping to hang on to their place in the top four as they push for a return to the Champions League later this year.
After visiting the North East, Louis Van Gaal’s team play Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final, before league matches against Tottenham and Liverpool - two clubs also chasing a top-four berth.
“It’s the start of a big three weeks for us,” Rooney said. “We have done OK in the big games this year, we could do better, but it is exciting for us with these big games that you want to be involved in. “We can’t look past Wednesday. Newcastle away is always a tough game and we have to try to make sure we come away from there with three points.”
Much has been made of how Rooney has been used by Van Gaal this season. The Dutch coach has often opted to use the 29-year-old in midfield, instead of his usual position as a centre-forward. Rooney played in attack on Saturday and rewarded his manager’s decision with both goals in a 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
The double took Rooney’s tally to 11 for the season and moved him one goal ahead of fellow striker Robin van Persie.
