Wayne Rooney would love Manchester United to win the Barclays Premier League at Chelsea next weekend.

Should they claim three points at Blackburn today, United could travel to Stamford Bridge knowing victory would see them retain their title with two games to spare.

That would be the stuff of nightmares for Chelsea fans but a dream scenario for Rooney.

He said in the Daily Express: "If it was possible to win it at Blackburn, we'd take that but if we can win at Chelsea it would be great for everyone at the club, especially the fans.

"Another benefit would be that we could then rest a few players in the last two games if we have got through to the final of the Champions League."

To reach that final, United must first overcome Barcelona and Rooney cannot wait for Wednesday's semi-final first-leg trip to the Nou Camp.

"Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world and I'm sure it will be a fantastic game between two entertaining teams," he said.

"It is going to be one of the best semi-finals you could see, with some great attacking football. They have so many unbelievable players - (Thierry) Henry, Ronaldinho, (Lionel) Messi, Xavi, (Samuel) Eto'o - the list goes on.

"Messi's my favourite - for his age and the way he plays, he is brilliant."

However, Rooney believes even Argentina star Messi plays second fiddle to United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who the striker hailed as greatest player to grace English football since the Premier League began.

Rooney said: "He has not just been the best player of the last two seasons, he's the best player the Premier League has ever seen - and that's including Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Eric Cantona, Dennis Bergkamp and Alan Shearer.

"Cristiano is rightly talked about as the best player in the world. I was surprised he didn't get the world player award last season. He's got to get it this time."