United star Rooney fires scoring jibe ahead of crunch Old Trafford clash

United star Rooney fires scoring jibe ahead of crunch Old Trafford clash

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is out to have more fun at Arsenal's expense at Old Trafford on Sunday and said: 'They must be sick of the sight of me.'
The Gunners have figured prominently in the 28-year-old's career. He announced himself on the Premier League stage against them with his wonder strike for Everton in 2002.
Two years later, following his £27million move to United, he won the penalty for Ruud van Nistelrooy's opener, then scored the second as the Arsenal 'Invincibles' saw their 49-match unbeaten record come to a shuddering halt.

Roaring success: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says Arsenal must be sick of the sight of him

First steps: Rooney first netted against Arsene Wenger's men for boyhood club Everton in 2002

Salt in the wounds: Rooney walked off with the match ball in United's 8-2 win over Arsenal in 2011

On the attack: Rooney (left) has formed a striking partnership with former Gunner Robin van Persie

 

A very young Wayne Rooney scores trademark goal

ROONEY'S ARSENAL SLAYING

Oct 19 2002 - Everton 2 Arsenal 1 (1 goal)
Mar 23 2002 - Arsenal 2 Everton 1 (1 goal)
Oct 24 2004 - Man United 2 Arsenal 0 (1 goal)
Apr 9 2006 - Man United 2 Arsenal 0 (1 goal)
Jan 20 2007 - Arsenal 2 Man United 1 (1 goal)
Feb 16 2008 - Man United 4 Arsenal 0 (1 goal)
Aug 29 2009 - Man United 2 Arsenal 1 (1 goal)
Jan 31 2010 - Arsenal 1 Man United 3 (1 goal)
Mar 12 2011 - Man United 2 Arsenal 0 (1 goal)
Aug 28 2011 - Man United 8 Arsenal 2(3 goals)

Arsenal were also the opposition when Rooney scored his 100th Premier League goal, part of an overall haul of 10, the most England's talisman has scored against any individual club.
So Arsene Wenger could be forgiven a sense of trepidation when his league leaders head north this weekend.
'Arsenal do crop up quite often,' said Rooney. 'It is a bit weird. I am sure they must be sick of the sight of me at times.
'That first goal for Everton does seem like a long time ago. It was obviously a special goal for me, plus they were 32 games unbeaten. And I will always remember the 2004 game.
'There had been a lot of hype around it because of what happened the year before with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
'That was as tense as I ever remember it before a game.
'Arsenal were a fantastic team and it was a great feeling to beat them 2-0 and end that record.'

Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsay lead Arsenal training

Midfield Maestros: Arsenal, with Mesut Ozil (left) and Aaron Ramsey, are five points clear at the top of the league

Star man: And Ramey (right) has hit back at Rooney's claims Arsenal will fade as the season goes on

Not as exciting as facing Arsenal though, especially given the Gunners' recent form.
Wenger's side have established a five-point lead at the top of the table, and boast an eight-point advantage on United.
Yet the Red Devils are on an eight-match unbeaten run of their own and Rooney recognises now would be the ideal time to kick on.
'It is the perfect fixture for us,' he said.
'Arsenal are obviously doing really well but with our current form, it is a chance for us to get a bit closer in the table.'
Earlier this week, following United's goalless draw with Real Sociedad, Rooney cast doubt on Arsenal's staying power.

Leading the way: Gunner boss Arsene Wenger has defied the critics with a brilliant season so far

It is a view he repeated on Friday morning, even though he accepted Arsenal look capable of maintaining their present form.
'I said before, it will be interesting to see whether they can maintain that because over the last six or seven years they have faded off,' he said.
'Certainly they seem in a better place. They seem stronger. We know we will have to be at our best to beat them but we are capable of that.
'I have always enjoyed my games against them and it has always been a big game. Hopefully we can get the right result on Sunday. It will be interesting to see what happens.'

In purely title terms, the result may not mean too much.
Even if United were to lose and slip 11 points behind their opponents, the gap would still be one they have bridged before, and with so many games remaining, no one would be losing too much sleep.

Crunch time: David Moyes wants to avoid yet another United defeat to title rivals

Yet, after collecting just one point from early-season encounters with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, victory would put an end to whispers that new boss David Moyes has trouble winning the biggest games.
The difference this time around is that Rooney has shrugged off all those niggling injuries that disrupted his early season.
Although he did start against Chelsea and City - when he scored United's consolation - he is now fully fit and ready to cause Arsenal more damage.
'I am just enjoying my football,' he said.
'I said over the summer, I worked hard and got my head down and was really looking forward to helping us be successful this season.
'Hopefully my form continues, we can win on Sunday and we can go on a good run.'
  STAT ATTACK  Compare Rooney and Arsenal hitman Giroud ahead of the clash

Fiery: Rooney appeals to the referee against Arsenal in a heated 2005 clash

Back to haunt: Rooney runs off to celebrate scoring against the Gunners at Old Trafford in 2004

Rooney's record against Arsenal - Source: Opta

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