Rooney urges Manchester United to focus and avoid another Everton slip-up

Posted Sunday, August 19, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has urged his team to focus against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday and avoid another slip-up after last season's 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, which he feels cost his side the title.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were leading the Toffees 4-2 with less than 10 minutes to go back in April when goals by Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini grabbed an unlikely draw and allowed Manchester City the chance to leapfrog their city rivals at the top of the table.

Rooney is expecting another tough match against his former club, but has urged his side to stay focused, particularly if they go ahead against David Moyes's men.

"I know as an Evertonian, growing up, playing for Everton against Manchester United, when United go to Goodison the whole place is lifted - the fans, they make it more difficult,” he told the club's official website.

“We know it's going to be a really tough game because, the one thing about Everton is that they work extremely hard. They are a really fit team. You need to keep the ball well and keep possession and try and tie them down.

The England international also said he felt last season's eight-goal thriller had cost his team the Premier League title, but is hopeful the Red Devils can emerge victorious from Monday night's clash.

“That game probably did cost us the league," he added. "That was really disappointing for us, so we hope we can go there and get the three points this time. It's a really tough first game even though, over the last few years, Everton haven't really started well in the league.”