WAYNE Rooney maintains suggestions by Chelsea that the Barclays Premiership is a one-horse race shows a "lack of respect" - and declared Manchester United can still compete with the best.
On the eve of the new campaign, Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon - who left Old Trafford to take up a post at Stamford Bridge two years ago - confidently declared Jose Mourinho would again guide his side to Premiership glory.
Chelsea have started the new season in commanding fashion, winning all six of their matches to date, and are yet to concede a goal.
United, in third place, already trail the champions by seven points, albeit with a game in hand.
But England striker Rooney - honoured earlier this week with the inaugural FIFPro world young player of the year award but banned for two matches by UEFA yesterday following his red card against Villarreal - insisted talk of a one-horse title race was wide of the mark.
"I think that is just a lack of respect for the other teams in the Premiership," Rooney said.
"There are a lot of good teams in the Premiership and various clubs can win the league."
The England striker added: "Chelsea have had a great start, but we have had a good start as well.
"We have had some tough away games and are still unbeaten.
"It is going to be a tough season again, but hopefully we can snatch the title back off Chelsea."
In most campaigns, Uniteds 11-point haul from an opening five fixtures - which have included trips to Anfield, Newcastle and Everton, plus a Manchester derby - would have been regarded as more than respectable.
This season, however, it leaves them already well behind Chelsea, and in need of a victory against Blackburn on Saturday to keep in touch with Jose Mourinhos all-conquering team.
While Rooney has been impressed by Chelseas fine start, the striker insists United remain a big threat.
"They have won all their games and have not conceded a goal, so I think they are doing something right," reflected the England striker.
"We can still compete with Chelsea - and anyone in the world. We have got the players. Hopefully it will be a good season."
United will be without midfield enforcer Roy Keane for up to eight weeks after it emerged the veteran had broken a metatarsal bone in his left foot during Sundays goalless draw at Anfield.
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