Wayne Rooney out to surprise Manchester United doubters

Wayne Rooney says that Manchester United’s title challenge is far from over and they are ready to prove their doubters wrong in the second half of the season.

Speaking after his side’s 3-2 win at Hull – their fifth in a row in all competitions – the England striker says he now believes their early season inconsistencies to be behind them.

"I think we had some poor results at the start of the season but we are starting to show some real quality," said Rooney.

"In the last few weeks we are having a go. We are working hard, we are fighting for each other and we are ready for the challenge.

"Hopefully, we can surprise a few people."

Rooney was instrumental in his side’s Boxing Day victory, creating one and scoring another as David Moyes’ men fought back from 2-0 down to leave with all three points.

With United in the ascendancy after fellow England international Chris Smalling has pulled one back, the strike - Rooney’s 150th Premier League goal for Manchester United - came at a crucial time as they sought to respond after quick-fire goals from James Chester and David Meyler had given the hosts an early advantage.

''The ball's bounced nicely for me and I've had a go,” added Rooney.

''It was a good goal for us at a good time of the game.''

As United continue to keep the league leaders just about in sight, the form of Rooney – who now has nine Premier League goals and 11 assists for the season – is particularly pleasing to his manager David Moyes.

"Wayne played great because he had to do two or three different jobs to do," said Moyes.

"They tell me that's his 150th Premier League goal today and to score one like that, a nice volley, was really well taken.

"The pressure he put on the boy for the own-goal was great too, to get it out wide and get in the box."

Next up for Rooney and Manchester United is a trip to Norwich on 28 December, before welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on New Year's Day.