Rooney calls for United focus

19 agosto 2012 15:05

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has urged his team to focus against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men were leading Everton 4-2 with less than 10 minutes to go in April when goals from Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini grabbed an unlikely draw and allowed Manchester City the chance to leapfrog their city rivals at the top of the table.

Rooney is expecting another tough match against his former club, but has urged his side to stay focused, particularly if they go ahead.

"I know as an Evertonian, growing up, playing for Everton against Manchester United, when United go to Goodison the whole place is lifted - the fans, they make it more difficult," he told the club's website.

"We know it's going to be a really tough game because, the one thing about Everton is that they work extremely hard. They are a really fit team. You need to keep the ball well and keep possession and try and tie them down.

"They have got a couple of good results against us in the last couple of seasons when we really should have won the games. We need to make sure if we do go ahead, we stay focused and see the game out."

The England international also said he felt last season's eight-goal thriller cost his team the English Premier League title, but is hopeful United can emerge victorious on Monday.

"That game probably did cost us the league," Rooney said.

"That was really disappointing for us, so we hope we can go there and get the three points this time. It's a really tough first game even though, over the last few years, Everton haven't really started well in the league."