Wayne Rooney has conceded that arch rivals Liverpool have re-emerged as serious challengers for Manchester United's Barclays Premier League crown under Kenny Dalglish.
The boyhood Everton fan believes Dalglish's 'buy British' policy has established the Anfield club as a major force once again following the acrimonious end to Rafa Benitez's spell in charge and Roy Hodgson's ill-fated reign.
'Liverpool will challenge (for the title) this time,' said Rooney. 'They've made some really good signings under Kenny Dalglish, British players, and I'm sure they will try harder than they've ever done, fighting to be up there.
'They will think they have a chance of winning the title. The main threat is going to be from Chelsea, Liverpool , Arsenal and Manchester City. One of them, plus us, will be fighting for the title.'
Rooney was speaking after scoring a 21-minute hat-trick in United's 7-0 win over Seattle Sounders in the early hours of yesterday.
It completed a happy return to the Pacific North West for the England striker who was despatched here in very different circumstances last November to regain fitness at Nike headquarters in Oregon away from the glare of publicity and fall-out from a contract crisis that took him to the brink of leaving Old Trafford.
Fast forward eight months and Rooney's rehabilitation would appear to be complete. Having helped United regain the title and reach the Champions League final - scoring in the defeat by Barcelona at Wembley - few would argue that his importance to the club is greater than ever.
And Sir Alex Ferguson's success in deploying the Englandstriker in a deeper role has opened up possibilities for Rooney, who has set his sights on overtaking Barcelona's Lionel Messi as the top No 10 in the world.
'That's where I like playing most,' said Rooney. 'It's where I finished last season and I was really enjoying it because I think it's a position that suits me.
Messi is a great player and rightly World Player of the Year. I think, not just for me but for every footballer, that's the target you want to try to get to. Hopefully I can do that.'
On the ball: Nani impressed again for United against the American side
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