Rooney - It would hard to take

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has admitted that it would be 'hard to take' if Liverpool beat them to the title.

The prospect of losing the title would be hard for the young striker especially if it was Liverpool, as the rivalry between the two teams isn't always friendly and with Rooney coming from the blue part of Liverpool, it would hurt twice as much.

When things looked good at Old Trafford and complacency started to set in as they sat at the top of the Premiership, the silly mistakes started to happen and after two straight defeats, the title race was back on.

Manchester United need to get their assault on the title back on track and as Wayne Rooney tells Inside United, failure is not an option.

"If you don't manage to retain a trophy you can't deem it as anything but a failure," Explains Rooney.

"You have already proved you are good enough to do it, so it just drives you on to win more.

"The history of the club demands that we continue winning. I don't think the players would ever let themselves become complacent."

Manchester United face Aston Villa on Sunday, and if Liverpool beat Fulham on Saturday, United could find themselves sitting in second place when they take to the field at Old Trafford.

Thats not what Rooney wants and if United could pip Liverpool to the title, it would taste even sweeter than if it was Chelsea.

He added: "Victory in the league this season will definitely taste sweeter if we pip Liverpool to the title.

"That said, I have never had to endure much Liverpool success.

"The last time they won the league I was only a child. Even so, it would be hard to take if they won it this season."

SF

Gerrard is here to stay

Lverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed a two year extension to his contract that wil keep him at the club until 2013.

Gerrard has been inspirational for Liverpool this season as they chase glory in both the Champions League and the Premiership.

It will be music to Benitez's ears that his midfield tailsman has agreed to pledge his future to the club and to show the same commitment as Rafa.

The Spainard only recently signed a new deal himself that will keep him at Anfield until 2014, so it looks like happy days at Anfield at the minute and as Rafa Benitez tells Liverpool's official website, the news about Stevie G couldn't get any better.

"This is fantastic news for the club.

"Steven has once again shown his commitment and it was an easy deal to agree. As soon as we offered him the option he said yes. There were no problems at all. He wants to stay for life.

"This deal sends out another clear message that we are moving forward as a club. To know we have a player of Steven's quality with us for many more years is a great boost for the club and the fans.

"He is clearly a player who inspires those around him and even though he is playing very well at the moment, I still think his best years are ahead of him."

SF

Barca Want Fab

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club want Cesc Fabregas playing at the Nou Camp next season.

Laporta is ready to make a firm £45 million bid for Cesc, who was at Barcelona as a teenager before going to London.

Laporta said: “I would very much like to see Cesc wearing the shirt of Barcelona.

“He was formed in our academy and it’s certain he’d adapt to our system.

“We already have the best midfield in the world but you can always get better.”

Arsene Wenger will not want to lose his captain who still is contracted to the club until 2014, but when money like comes your way, its something you have to think about.

Arsenal fans all thought that it was the end of the world when Patrick Viera and Thierry Henry moved on, but it goes to show that Arsene Wenger knows exactly what he is doing, and i believe he will find the next Viera or the new Thierry Henry, so Arsenal fans don't worry about it to much because if in doubt always think back to when you beat Sheffield United in the Carling Cup.

SF

Ledley - Lets prove form

Ledley King wants Spurs to Keep up their upturn in form as they take on Blackburn on Saturday.

Their decent run of form has seen them go six matches unbeaten and one defeat in nine, its no wonder they have gone from relegation scrap to a possible UEFA place with form like that.

Sam Alladyce's Blackburn have been hit and miss this season and will be looking to pick something up against Spurs.

Ledly King talks to the clubs official website about Spurs keeping momentum and prospect of facing Alladyce's Blackburn.

"Things are looking up, we're in good form and these are the games you have to go and win when you are in that form," stated Ledley.

"We've been in good form in the past and notoriously we'd go and slip up in a game like this. It's a big test for us now.

"It's always a tough place to go, they are a physical side and over the last few seasons most of the games have been very close. You know that you are in for a difficult game up there and I'd expect nothing different.

"Their fans will get behind them and it's up to us to keep them quiet and play our game.

"We've been better away from home of late, we've found a formula that works for us and we'll be looking to that again."

SF