Sep 11
Rushing Rooney Would Be Foolish
It is all over the news and it was certain to crop up sometime sooner or later. If Rooney manages to make it for the Everton game it would be a record of some sorts for a player who broke his metatarsal just four weeks ago for the millionth time.
The player is desperate to get back to the side. There is no doubt about it. It was the first summer in a while where he stayed injury free and away from a major international tournament. Coming off a season which was labelled by the media as poor, by his own standards, he was hungry to impress and was looking really good in pre-season.
True, he scored 23 goals last season. But for long spells last season, he did endure some frustrating moments where things didn’t go right for him. While setting up goals aplenty, we didn’t quite rely on him to perform well as we had done in earlier seasons - thanks in no small part to Ronaldo’s outstanding season.
Fergie jokingly said Rooney wanted to take a painkilling injection against Tottenham. It was a measure of Rooney’s almost superhuman recovery qualities (and of course, his intense desire to be involved in every game.) But such things should be treated with utmost care. He is, after all, only 21 and has already suffered three fractures to his feet. What we need from Rooney is a future Mr. Legend, not another future Mr. Glass - having one in our ranks is trouble in itself already.
While Rooney may claim he is ready for Everton, SAF would be better off to plan his return and ease him into the side as slow as possible, so that he does not have to face any reaction that would further push his return. Hopefully he has the good sense to learn from the World Cup of 2006, where Rooney took a while to get back to full fitness which, in a way, contributed to a slow start to the season.
Especially, now that we have Ronaldo and Saha back in the side, with Tevez present to play off Saha - it looks more likely that United will play Rooney only if it was absolutely necessary.
So what do you think? Should we rush Rooney or will we be okay without him?
And yeah, Vote for Red Rants. If you haven’t already. I promise it will take you just two minutes to register and vote!
(Those bothered by my persistent begging, bear with me till October 19th. Others can read this. )
- United’s Injury Blow… And Boost.
- Today’s Tosh: Rossi to Parma | Berbatov
- Rossi’s future at Manchester United
- Random Transfer News Items of the Day
- Why Moving to Liverpool Won’t Help Heinze
Tags: Manchester United Players · Opinions/Columns
September 11th, 2007 at 11:10
He should definitely not be played against Everton… and neither in midweek. If he’s ready for the Chelsea game, he should be on the bench for that one (i’d still prefer him not to play there either). After the Chelsea game, we play Birmingham away, and it’d be the perfect game for him to return in the starting line-up imo. Tevez could be rested, which will probably be good for him due to the intense start, he’s had with things not quite working his way yet. But it looks like we’ll finally be able to fire on all cylinders, which is absolutely crucial, if we want to reclaim the title:
Saha, Ronaldo, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez and Nani look set to cause mayhem in the coming weeks, I’d say.
September 11th, 2007 at 11:20
SAF do not rush Rooney back. Now with Saha is back to partner Tevez up front I do not see why SAF should rush Rooney into the Everton game. I know Rooney would have liked to play when the team returns to his previous homeground on Saturday but he must be prepared to wait. He should also be rested during Chelsea’s game. He should come on only in the Birmingham match. No need to hurry him, until he has cured completely!!!!
September 11th, 2007 at 11:28
rooney wait a week more man whats the hurry
and tevez u better score against everton or else pressurre on rooney to come back soon will be more
September 11th, 2007 at 12:47
I say play him!if his foot has fully healed then put him on the dam bench!
September 11th, 2007 at 13:30
Defintiely not for everton
If he is reasonable fir - one of the 7 subs vs sporting would be a good idea
September 11th, 2007 at 14:50
Rooney shouldnt rush. yeah he has the hunger but he should be carefull. who knows those evertonians may inflict another injury to his legs that could take very long to recover. agree with you red only if neccesary. suggest he does a sort of cameo appearance at the game after chelski(don’t remember which it is)and see how it goes.as of now lets stick to saha and tevez. they had/have enough time to improve on their fitness so as anderson. Tevez can now play in his preffered pos- behind a striker
September 12th, 2007 at 7:50
am of a different opinion.
we need him back, and what does “he is fully healed and already back in training mean”
we have already seen what man utd minus rooney/ronaldo is.just an average team struglling for a result. and everton is no sunderland my friends. so i say lets play them all and see the man utd that we’ve all been missing. i bet tevez will be so tired after making the round the world trip.
September 12th, 2007 at 15:34
rooney should start..sub him at half time with tevez..nani left front.ronaldo right front..midfielder should be scholes carrick and owen..done deal!
September 12th, 2007 at 17:10
i personally think that rooney should be left for like 2 games…imagine rushing him back and the a reoccurence nightmare? Let him play in the reserves for at least 2 games…his reaction can be gauged after that…
Tevez you darn better start scoring…
Ronaldo…mature up. Reckless red cards are an absolute No for you. Lead by example dude.
Rio…U better up your game. You normally have a penchant of reading the game better…are you getting “too settled” or what?
Nani…we all know you can have the killer shot. Strike the ball with more power when opportunities present themselves. Ask ronaldo. Don’t wait for a zillion chances before you score.
Saha…Please no more injuries man. We need you.
SAF…Your subs leave me wondering sometimes..
September 12th, 2007 at 20:46
Passyson- how does playing in the reserves help, he is just as likely to get a reoccurrence there. If the scan says the bone is healed then it is healed, the issue is match sharpness/fitness.
September 13th, 2007 at 0:05
is anyone else amazed by rooney’s seemingly superhuman ability to heal??
September 13th, 2007 at 12:58
Am also not able to understand why we want to send Rooney back to the filed when we have a fully fledged striking force.
i bet we should give him time to recover fully.
September 13th, 2007 at 13:09
JB…precisely…match fitness…Playing Reserves will help him out on that.
I forgot…
Wes Brown…please concentrate more on improving your crosses. Gary wont be there forever you know.
September 13th, 2007 at 22:12
joninjapan:-
And a seemingly superhuman ability to get the same injury again and again?