Rooney out to deny Reds

Published: 03 Apr 2009 - 07:32:23

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Wayne Rooney admits it would be 'hard to take' if Liverpool pipped Manchester United to the Premier League title. United are chasing a hat-trick of top-flight crowns, but have seen their lead at the summit eroded after back-to-back defeats. Liverpool have cut the gap to one point, although the reigning champions do still have a game in hand over their rivals. Rooney is confident complacency will not creep into United's game and he is anxious to be part of another title-winning team. History "If you don't manage to retain a trophy you can't deem it as anything but a failure," Rooney told Inside United. "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." The Red Devils resume their title quest on Sunday against Aston Villa, although Rooney will miss the game, live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1, through suspension. By that time, Liverpool could have gone top by avoiding defeat at Fulham and Rooney is desperate to deny United's old adversaries a first title in 19 years. 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."