Rooney - Belief is sky high

Striker warns rivals as Hargreaves tips team-mate to 'explode'

By James Dall   Last updated: 26th July 2008

Owen Hargreave Wayne Rooney Manchester United celebration

Rooney: Tipped to shine by Hargeaves

This will be a massive season for Wayne Rooney.

Owen Hargreaves
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Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United's rivals the squad will begin the new season believing they are 'the best in the world'.

United were in outstanding form last term, lifting the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to bolster his side this summer, but Rooney feels their memorable double will hand United an unrivalled boost when they begin their new search for silverware.

Rooney, 22, said in The Sun: "After our success last year, there will be high expectations but we've got a good enough squad and hopefully we can emulate last season.

"Of course, winning trophies brings you confidence and we're a confident team anyway. But it's given us that bit extra and belief that we're the best in the world.

"Hopefully we can prove that again this season."

Explode

Meanwhile, midfielder Owen Hargeaves is tipping Rooney to have his best campaign at Old Trafford since signing from Everton in 2004.

"This will be a massive season for Wayne Rooney," said Hargreaves.

"Ability-wise I believe he is the best in England and I am confident he will be one of the most influential in the Premier League this year.

"I am really looking forward to seeing him explode because it is rare to come across someone with so much talent who is so unselfish."

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