Man Utd rely on Wayne Rooney, says Chelsea boss

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester United would struggle to retain the Premier League title without Wayne Rooney.

Asked if an injury to the England striker would hamper United, the Italian replied: "Without Rooney it would be difficult."

Ancelotti is confident his side has more attacking options available.

Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their last three games despite Didier Drogba being away on international duty.

"Drogba is an important player for us, but we've played very well without him. When we were without the suspended Didier earlier in the season in the Champions League, Nicolas (Anelka) did very well," said Ancelotti.

"Now we have had Nicolas and Daniel Sturridge doing well for us in the last month, so we have quality without Didier. We can use other players in those forward areas."

Rooney netted all four of United's goals in the demolition of Hull at Old Trafford last weekend, prompting some observers to again suggest that Ferguson's side are a "one-man team".

And Ancelotti, while not explicitly endorsing that view, clearly thinks that the Premier League's top scorer is crucial to United's chances of success for the rest of the season.

"He [Rooney] is the best striker at Manchester United, and one of the best strikers in the world.

"He's a champion, a world-class player, and not only just a finisher but a team player. I saw him play left-wing at times last year, coming back to help the team out defensively."

Drogba, meanwhile, is due back from Angola on Wednesday following the Ivory Coast's surprise elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, he is unlikely to be considered for the visit of in-form Birmingham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening as the west Londoners bid to regain top spot.

Chelsea, currently third behind Arsenal on goal difference and two points behind leaders United, are unbeaten in six league matches.

From BBC