Wayne Rooney: Top four United’s to lose

Wayne Rooney knows Champions League qualification is Manchester United’s to lose, making this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa all the more important.

Louis van Gaal’s side sit fourth in the Premier League as the season enters the closing stages, boasting a five-point cushion over the chasing pack after winning so impressively at Liverpool before the international break.

Juan Mata’s brace earned United a deserved 2-1 victory at Anfield to give them an impressive buffer over the Reds, as well as fellow top-four contenders Southampton and Tottenham.