Manchester United can challenge rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title, says Wayne Rooney. The Red Devils finished second, 19 points behind the Premier League champions and Rooney believes his former side will challenge the Citizens. Jose Mourinho’s side has already bolstered the squad with the capture of Fred, Diogo Dalot, and Lee Grant and more arrivals are expected before the transfer window closes.Former captain and all-time leading goalscorer Rooney – who left Everton for MLS outfit DC United last month – feels the Red Devils are on track to claim their first Premier League crown since 2012-13.
“Obviously they can challenge, it’s a massive club. Last year was different because of how well Manchester City did. In any other year, they might have won the title. A lot of people looked at what Manchester City did and said Manchester United didn’t play that well,” the 32-year-old told BBC Sport after making his DC United debut last week.”But they actually had a good season. Obviously, they didn’t win anything but I think they can take confidence from that and I believe they can push Manchester City next season.”I saw that people said they weren’t playing the most attractive football. But they scored a lot of goals.
I think they are getting there. Hopefully, it won’t be long before they win the title again, Mourinho’s side is on their pre-season tour of the United States, where they will face Mexican giants America on Thursday.United will also play San Jose Earthquakes (July 22) before meeting AC Milan (July 25), Liverpool (July 28) and Real Madrid (July 31) in the International Champions Cup, while the club will conclude their Premier League preparations against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on August 5.