Rooney writes off Arsenal's title chances.. Despite negative Pre - Season and League Matches

Chat212 Mail Summary...

• Rooney writes off Arsenal's title chances.
• As the striker focus is now trained on Sunday's showdown with Arsene Wenger's men.
• Despite negative pre-season and the Matche expectations around a club, Manchester United's still hope for title

Chat212 Sportsmail..

Wayne Rooney has cast doubt on Arsenal's Premier League title credentials.

After extending their unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions with Tuesday night's goalless Champions League draw with Real Sociedad, Manchester United's focus is now trained on Sunday's showdown with Arsene Wenger's men.

Despite negative pre-season expectations around a club that has won nothing since 2005, Arsenal have shot out of the blocks.

The arrival of Mesut Ozil - the man Rooney once advised Sir Alex Ferguson to sign - from Real Madrid appears to be a masterstroke and with all their rivals making a faltering start, the Gunners have already established a five-point cushion at the top.

But Rooney is remaining cautious about their threat.

Rooney insists that United are starting to adapt to David Moyes (left) new methods

For there have been plenty of times in the past when Arsenal appeared capable of mounting a sustained challenge, only for it to peter out when the pressure starts to be applied later in the campaign.

Arsene Wenger has seen Arsenal's title challenge fizzle out in the past

'We'll have to wait and see where Arsenal are in March,' he said.

'We've seen before that they've been in the top two until February or March and then faded away.

'They are doing brilliantly at the minute, so it's down to them to try and stay there and us to catch them.'

After losing three of their opening six games, United have been gradually clawing their way back into contention.

Despite registering back-to-back league victories for the first time this season, the Red Devils remain in a rather unaccustomed eighth position.

But the gap to all but Arsenal - whom they are eight points behind - has been closed to a rather more manageable level.