Riled-up Rooney ready to break ’Pool record

WAYNE ROONEY says it would be “brilliant” if Manchester United were to win a record 19th title.

Alex Ferguson’s side are on course to achieve that feat, as they face West Ham tomorrow, in pole position.

United are five points clear of Arsenal, who have a game in hand, while reigning champions Chelsea and Manchester City complete the top four.

England striker Rooney said: “I grew up an Everton fan so to be part of the team to overtake Liverpool’s record would be brilliant. It would mean so much to us, players as well as the fans. It is something I have been thinking about a lot. I know all the Everton fans want us to do it and hopefully we can.

“You look forward to every game at this stage and you’ve got to enjoy it, especially when you are in the running for a few trophies.

“It is exciting for the fans and it’s exciting for the players knowing you are just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two.”

United face Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg next week and City in the FA Cup semi-final next month.

Rooney is convinced they will banish their local rivals, stating: “I am confident we can beat them.

“I am desperate to win the competition, having lost two finals. We have a great chance of going all the way this year.

“It is a massive competition with a lot of history. I watched it religiously growing up and going so close twice has been hard to take.”

Rooney believes it is a massive bonus to have Antonio Valencia fit for the run-in and said: “I am probably the happiest person in the team to see him back. Having Nani on one wing and Antonio on the other is fantastic because they bring something different.”