Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday as they maintained their unbeaten Premier League record, but striker Wayne Rooney insists defending champions Chelsea are still in the running to take the title (Manchester United 8/13f to win the Premier League).

United hold a five-point advantage over nearest rivals Arsenal (13/5), while Chelsea (13/2) are 10 points adrift in fourth place, but Rooney is taking nothing for granted and is adamant the Londoners are still in contention.

“We certainly haven’t written Chelsea off,” explained the England international in the Express. “They are a big, strong side and we know if anyone is capable of going on a good run then it is them.

“But we know it is up to us where the title goes and hopefully we can win it back.”

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson did not make any major additions during the January transfer window but Chelsea splashed out over £70million on centre-half David Luiz and World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres (Torres 16/1 to be the Premier League’s top scorer).

Rooney has struggled in front of goal this season but did manage to grab a brace against Villa and the striker now hopes he can hit the goal trail after taking his tally to five goals so far this season.

He added: “As a striker you want to score goals but I have been happy with my performances, apart from the Blackpool match last week when I just couldn’t get back into the game.

“I am delighted to have scored and hopefully I can go on a run now and help the team to win games.”