Wayne Rooney is already looking forward to a New Year's clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford and says his Manchester United team are ready to close the gap in the title race.

Striker Rooney inspired in-form United to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Champions League last night, scoring for the seventh game in a row for club and country, while strike partner Dimitar Berbatov also struck twice.

The duo's blossoming partnership, their goals have helped United win six games in a row, augurs well for United's challenge at home and in Europe. And although they are six points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League, Rooney says his team are ready to make the 2009 title race a real battle.

He said: "We knew this was going to be a difficult start to the season but thankfully we're not too far away from Chelsea in the league with our game in our hand.

"It will be very interesting when we play each other after Christmas [on 10 January] and we're looking forward to it already."

Addressing his personal run of fine form, Rooney added: "I'm doing well at the minute and enjoying myself so I hope it can continue.

"I don't know what's changed. I haven't got a clue - but I'm scoring goals.  I'm starting to play a lot higher up the pitch and maybe attacking defenders a bit more than I was at the beginning of the season, so perhaps that is it.

"We have brilliant strikers here and they are helping me. Berba did really well last night and Carlos Tevez came on and looked sharp and created a goal for me, too."

Former Tottenham star Berbatov (right) is settling into his stride at Old Trafford with four goals from four matches even though both efforts last night looked offside.

Rooney said: "Everyone knows what he can do. His touch is brilliant, he creates chances and gives you a bit more space on the ball. He's doing really well and starting to score more goals, which is great."