Experience the key in title run-in, says Rooney

Wayne Rooney hopes Manchester United’s mental strength and physical training can give them the edge in the Premier League title race.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team trail Manchester City by two points but hold the advantage of having experienced more title run-ins than Roberto Mancini’s side.

Rooney explained how the experience he had accumulated with United had made him a more composed player in pressure situations.

“When I was a young lad and first at the club we might have been losing a game 1-0 or 2-1 and I’d have been saying ‘just put the ball in the box’ and panicking a bit about losing the game,” Rooney told Inside United.

“Now I’m older and more experienced you know how to just keep playing your game because there’s always a chance you’ll get an opportunity to score.”

“I think that comes from playing so many games and the experience you pick up along the way.”

The England striker also emphasised the importance of training correctly as the amount of fixtures United face begin to take their toll.

The Red Devils continue to participate in the Europa League in addition to their Premier League commitments.

“It’s important to manage yourself and how your body feels,” Rooney said.

“Training is less intense when there are lots of games and you might take things a bit easier one day because you’re managing how your legs are.”

“The training intensity probably goes down because the matches come thick and fast and you have to make sure you’re right for the games.”

“You know you have to be strong mentally to play at your best. We just need to keep focused, keep working hard and hopefully we’ll get our rewards.”