Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United must not get ahead of themselves in the race for silverware as the season gathers pace.
Striker insists United's next five games are crucial
Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United must not get ahead of themselves in the race for silverware as the season gathers pace.
United currently sit a point clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, while UEFA Champions League and FA Cup success is still in their sights.
The Red Devils will face some testing encounters heading into the latter stages of the season, including back-to-back league clashes with title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal in the final weeks.
But Rooney has warned his team-mates not to look too far ahead, insisting their next five games will be definitive to their campaign.
Focus
"At this time of the season you've got to keep your focus and stay concentrated," Rooney said.
"That's the most important thing because if you look too far ahead and start thinking about other games, then it can go wrong.
"We've got three massive games in the Premier League coming up now at Wigan, Chelsea and Liverpool.
"Then maybe Arsenal in the FA Cup and Marseille in the Champions League
after that - it's a massive time for us.
"We know it's going to be difficult, but we have to keep going, keep trying to create chances and if we can get through those games okay, then I'm sure we'll be up there [fighting for trophies]."
Rooney admits United produced a below par display in their uninspiring goalless draw with Marseille in midweek.
But the striker claims Sir Alex Ferguson's side are confident of beating the French side in the second leg at Old Trafford to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Dangerous
"We know 0-0 can be a dangerous scoreline, if they were to score at Old Trafford," said Rooney. "But we're confident of beating them at home.
"We've got to be positive. We didn't get beaten, we know we've got them at home and if we win we're through to the next round. That's the main target and that's what we're going to do.
"We're proud of our away record in Europe [two defeats in 23 games] and want to keep that going.
"I can imagine the game didn't make for great TV viewing. I hope we make amends in the second leg and turn on the style. But at this stage you've just got to look to win the game. The win is the most important thing, rather than how you do it."
