Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney acknowledges that the English Premier League title has never been more difficult to win.

The England international believes that United will have more tough opponents to deal with than ever, but Rooney is looking forward to fending off title challenges from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Rooney, who came to the Red Devils from Everton in 2004, believes that the top-flight has become more competitive each year.

“Since I signed for United, I think the Premier League has got progressively harder to win,” Rooney told the Daily Star.

“I know it’s a cliche, but there are no easy games in the Premier League.

“In previous seasons you might have had straightforward games, where the top clubs could afford to rest players, but that’s not the case any more.

“Nowadays it’s hard to leave players out because every game is competitive and difficult. The -2009-10 season was certainly the most competitive I’ve played in.

“Over the last three or four years it might have been predictable, as the season has gone on, who’s going to win the league, but last season it was a lot more exciting.

United lost seven Premier League games last season, while champions Chelsea lost six, and with Tottenham, City and Aston Villa improving each season, Rooney is happy to see the league improving.

“Many of the top teams lost more games than you probably would expect. It was very tight at the end of the season. We only lost the league by one point.

“But I think it’s a good thing that the Premier League is becoming more competitive. I’m a football fan as well and it was compelling viewing last season.

“All the battles – relegation, fourth and the title – pretty much went to the wire. As a fan, you can’t ask for more than that.

“But as soon as a season is ended, you can’t wait for the new one to start.”