Rooney ready for hectic run

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Last updated: 24th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rooney ready for hectic run

Rooney: Feeling confident

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Wayne Rooney believes the next few weeks will have a big say on how successful Manchester United's season will be.

United return to Premier League action at Stoke City on Boxing Day on the back of winning the Club World Cup in Japan last weekend.

The reigning champions also play Middlesbrough over the festive period before an FA Cup tie at Southampton and a Carling Cup semi-final with Derby County.

A clash with title rivals Chelsea is also looming on the horizon and Rooney is looking forward to the upcoming fixtures.

Big time

"It's a big game and a big time of the season for us, so it's important we pick up the three points," Rooney told the club's official website.

"We know it'll be tough especially after having only just returned from Japan. But all the games are winnable over Christmas and we're confident we can beat Stoke and Middlesbrough.

"The FA Cup starts soon after and we've got the Carling Cup semi-final with Derby and then the Chelsea game to think about.

"So the next few weeks are a big time of the season for us and they could have a real impact on how things pan out during the rest of the campaign. Hopefully we can get the results we want."