Wayne Rooney
Many fans love to hate Rooney, and aren't those types of emotions what the game's about? REUTERS

In-form Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be the difference between the Red Devils claiming yet another league title and their hated local rivals Manchester City claiming their first league crown in the Premier League era.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, quoted in a report by The Sun, said his star striker's goal-scoring streak meant his side was back in business. The English international has now scored nine times in the last six games and was the outlet for both of United's goals in their last league game against West Brom.

Rooney has now scored 20 goals in 24 Premier League games this season.

"If Wayne gets to 40 goals I will be absolutely delighted because we will be in business then! He is on a hot streak which is what he does," Ferguson said to The Sun.

Meanwhile, United are now on top of the Premier League, by a single point, after title rivals Manchester City lost to Swansea 1-0.

"That was a bonus. I didn't expect that. I'm happy to be there because only a few weeks ago we were seven points behind. Now we are one point ahead so we have turned around eight points," Ferguson added.

In an ESPN Soccernet report, Ferguson re-emphasised his side's mental strength, as the two clubs from Manchester prepare to go head-to-head over the last 10 games of the league.

"We have that experience and it does help,'' Ferguson said, adding, "We won't get nervous. Against West Brom we kept playing our football even at 1-0 when the fans were thinking 'just get us a second'. It didn't concern the players one bit. It is good to see that kind of temperament.''

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney