Wayne Rooney holds Premier League title key, but will it be Manchester United or Chelsea

If Wayne Rooney went to Stamford Bridge, he could give the key to the title to Jose Mourinho

I’m going for United to remain top dogs, but I ­believe that could all rest on what ­happens in the next ­couple of weeks.

Rooney going to ­Stamford Bridge could send the same tremors through the title race that Robin van Persie’s arrival at Old Trafford did last year – it’s THAT crucial!

A re-energised Wayne feeling all loved-up under Jose Mourinho is a ­frightening prospect.

Be under no illusions – what happens with ­Rooney will send ­shockwaves through the title hopefuls.

For me, he’s a player who has lost his way and his body language says his heart isn’t in it.

But I don’t go with the view that his best years are behind him and I think Mourinho could ignite him again.

Just as Van ­Persie’s arrival ­virtually clinched the title for United and shunted Rooney’s nose out of joint, this is an earthquake waiting to ­happen.

Right now, I’m backing United to take the crown because Chelsea don’t convince me up front.

I actually think ­Romelu Lukaku could outshine Fernando Torres and Demba Ba.

I’m sure Mourinho will be telling Mr Abramovich that if he can land Rooney, he’ll bring the title back to the Bridge.

I can’t wait for it all to get started – it promises to be the most ­fascinating Premier League in years. Bring it on!

Phil Thompson is tipping Manchester United to hold onto the trophy and the title

I’ll take Manchester City to finish third and I wouldn’t back against ­Spurs pipping ­Arsenal for fourth. Liverpool could also do that, depending on whether or not they keep Luis Suarez.

Suarez, ­Gareth Bale and Rooney are huge players, so what happens to them will have a massive effect.

But if David Moyes wants to make his ­massive job a whole lot easier, then I’d definitely bust the bank and get Cesc Fabregas.

He’s the sort of marquee player who would be the nearest thing to Paul ­Scholes and snatching him from Barcelona would be mega.

The pressure is on Moyes, but I think he’s got a squad of players who know how to win a title – they’ve done it season ­after season.

Mourinho being back is marvellous and with him, Paolo Di Canio and Ian Holloway all in the same mix it’s a case of pull out the pin and wait for the explosion