United fightback could turn title race, says Rooney

LONDON Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United's three-goal comeback against Chelsea could prove decisive in the Premier League title race, even though the champions lost ground on leaders Manchester City after a dramatic 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Monday, February 06, 2012
The dramatic game finished 3-3 but United end the weekend two points behind leaders Manchester City. Net photo

LONDONWayne Rooney believes Manchester United's three-goal comeback against Chelsea could prove decisive in the Premier League title race, even though the champions lost ground on leaders Manchester City after a dramatic 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.Sir Alex Ferguson's side now sit two points adrift of City, who beat Fulham 24 hours before the six-goal thriller in west London on Sunday.A Jonny Evans own goal and strikes from Juan Mata and David Luiz left United three goals down by the 50th minute.But they showed true grit to fight their way back onto level terms through two controversial penalties, both converted by Rooney, and a Javier Hernandez equaliser in the 84th minute.And United striker Rooney is confident his team's sensational second half recovery will not have gone unnoticed by Roberto Mancini's City squad."Of course it's two points lost, we understand that, but after being 3-0 down all the City players at home won't enjoy watching us, the way we fought back and the spirit of the team," Rooney said."They know it will be a long fight to the end and we'll be there to the end.