May 19
Wayne Rooney – The only option left?!
It’s been quite a regular occurrence of late hasn’t it? No I’m not talking about Ronaldo whinging or even a Carlos Tevez transfer story. I’m specifically referring to Wayne Rooney, his versatility and this endearing quality he possesses to play left wing.
Ok so it’s not the biggest revelation since the discovery of electricity as it has been tried and tested before. Although there’s no denying that what it does provide us with is options, affording Ferguson complete freedom to tinker and tweak his attacking line-up however he pleases. And boy has it worked admirably the last few games.
With Rooney operating on the left we have seen Berbatov and even Ronaldo flourish as the central striker. Who knows as Ferguson studies this alternative system, he may even see sense and grant a certain Argentine a future with us that he so desperately craves. With a tighter more compact system and Rooney as an out and out striker, surely that wouldn’t have been the case.
In fairness Wazza squandered the simplest of chances against Wigan on Wednesday, a simple header that he would normally have buried in his sleep. Although since being deployed on the left Rooney has rarely failed to excel and fears that his talents were being wasted out wide were quickly put to bed.
We all feared that a fleet footed Theo Walcott would rip a confidence stricken Patrice Evra to shreds in the Champions League although on both occasions (at OT and the Emirates) Rooney played a part in thwarting the pacey England man to almost a non existence.
The spirited and industrious Rooney may not be the best tackler in the world but he’ll certainly put in a decent shift to aid forward thinking Evra who we all know can be prone to getting caught too far up the pitch. While it’s fair to say that Rooney’s defensive duties haven’t really been tested to the max this season, a meeting with Messi later this month will surely be a decent benchmark to determine his full credentials. Not to jinx it but I’m sure he’ll pass with flying colours.
There’s no doubting Rooney’s genius in the role just behind the striker but in my opinion he’s been given something of a new lease of life on the left. With Giggs a seemingly better option in the middle these days, Nani hardly being flavour of the month with Sir Alex and Tosic something of an unknown quantity at first-team level at least, Rooney is certainly the best viable option for me.
The way he cuts in with that bludgeon of a right foot and lashes towards goal, defenders will often know exactly what he’s about to do but stopping it is a completely different ball game. It’s certainly a joy to watch anyway.
To digress ever so slightly, Rooney’s aggressive nature has led to much criticism for years but to be honest I feel that it is a key component in his armoury that makes him such an unassailably brilliant player. Yes he needs to keep his anger in check in the most precarious of situations but a lot of the time he successfully channels his temper and he can often unfairly get into trouble purely for a reputation that precedes him.
While Ronaldo will never comprehensively commit his future to United we will all still justifiably admire his mercurial ability. At completely the other end of the spectrum you would have to literally drag Rooney out of the dressing room if he’s ever to leave Old Trafford – a trait that I think should draw much praise and adulation as I don’t know where we would be without this sublime scouser.
Related items from Red Rants:
- West Ham v Man Utd: Live
- Manchester United v Arsenal: Live Blog
- Derby Man Utd: Live!
- Manchester United vs Arsenal Live – Time to celebrate?
- Arsenal v Manchester United Live – Champions League Semi Final
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (487)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (348)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Stephen: Your poor liver awwwww
. Its pickled with all that red wine Bro. You better watch it, or you’ll be getting a Fergie type Red NOSE before you know it 
. I understand what you mean though about nerves 
.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Ha ha I was looking at his nose on the TV the other day, I would say it is more purple, Mine is more maroon!
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: I am still certain that the number one reason Tevez is going is because he wants to start more games. This has got nothing to do with money. It’s all about his ego and his wish to be a starter. And I can’t blame him for that because he is good enough to be starting for 99% of all the clubs out there. In fact I can only think of two or three clubs in the world that have no room for him. Man Utd is one of those teams.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: Classic stuff. That still won’t dissuade Wenger from buying him on the cheap. The fact he doesn’t really exist will fall in favorably with Wenger’s team philosophy that Arsenal’s opponents don’t really exist.
The fabrication and outright lies on the Internet are bad enough, but when journalists from major newspapers borrow the stuff and then publish it in their papers it just becomes so comical and sad all in one. It just confirms one thing I have said about the Internet for years now. That it is an evil entity that needs to be regulated and yet that seems to be an impossibility so we are stuck with it in it’s corruptive and destructive present form. And yet, what would we do without it?
My friend called me yesterday for some help with his computer that crashed. He was in a panic because he could not get on the Internet and go to his tv talk blog and his LA Dodgers blog. He was suffering chills and going cold turkey over the fact he could not get online.
Has it come to that? 
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: It only becomes “Stab City” when a Roman team plays. They could give a rats ass about Barcelona and United.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Well said.
It’s a damn shame that football journalists have this idea that they can print their down-the-pub speculation as news when it comes to transfers. And the fact that the British press report what’s said in AS and Marca as true…
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: If he runs the blog, and if that’s his livelihood, like it is for people like Ahmed who are professional bloggers, then it’s a problem. However, if that’s not the case with your friend, then it’s sad.
Anyway, everyone should read the web blogs of the folks behind this Masal Bugduv expose, they are a class apart.
Fredorrarci’s Sport Is a TV Show
Brian Phillips’ Run of Play — Brian’s articles on the fortunes of his Football Manager team – Pro Vercelli – is a work of art.
Like?
0 
0
@ Grognard – Coming from a North American background, I still find it absolutely galling at what gets reported as ‘news’ in the UK papers. And not just the crap ones, but even the Guardian/Times now too. There is no such thing as a reputable journalist in the UK, sensationalism sells and that’s the bottom line.
I just wish some players would start taking these papers to court for their libel, and sort it out. But no one has the balls.
The Sun patently make things up every day, and they’re not even the worst! Why is there no consumer protection? It’s like false advertising to call it news.
Give me Sportscenter anyday..
Like?
0 
0
@Beachryan: Beachy, no smoke without fire though Bro
.
Like?
0 
0
is there any chance Tevez is gonna play in the Final?
Like?
0 
0
Y not start a petition to let loose the admiration the united fans have for Tevez and the desire to keep him at the club- Personally i would love him to stay rather than us signing any other player in the world right now. The drive he gives us is phenominal. If this website were to start a petition its still an attempt and a valued one at that??
Like?
0 
0
fantastic tongue in cheek article about tevez and berbatov
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard to an extent you are correct about Ribery moving to Real Madrid, however this does not mean he is the number 1 or even 2 target it has become well known that a certain Spanish pundit and Source working for Sky Sports News has stated the Real and indeed Perez are looking to build a more Spanish team with.David Villa will be heading his way to the Bernabau next season, Kaka is another story due to his loylaty to Milan and yet his desire to win something in his glittering career. While a player such as Ribery much like Ronaldo desires to go to Real but unlike Ronaldo can be probably purchsed for a far less price. My friend Grognard you also seem to be mistaken about the idea of Tevez leaving yes, it is a horrible and sad thought but it not “bollocks” as you so articulately put your argument. Tevez has made it clear that if he does indeed leave the Red Devils then he will be playing for another Premier League club next season, So check your sources on that friend, and as for my sources just research better on British websites and you will see what i mean, Thank you
Like?
0 
0
excellent tongue in cheek article about berbatov and tevez
the last attempt failed because i posted the wrong link
Like?
0 
0
@Mr.Muhozi: Berba Greater than that Ass named Tevez…. Anytime of the day… Any second.. But he’s only good when he plays with a REAL second Striker…… AKA Rooney…
Like?
0 
0
@Shera: Errrrr sorry Shera, but that is one petition I wouldn’t sign Bro, and for the following reasons:-
1. IMHO Tev is a good player, but not worth the large amounts of money his 3rd party slave owners are demanding. I am sure of this, because both David Gill and Fergie have spoken openly in media interviews that the amounts bring asked for are totally unnaceptable in the light of the present credit crunch.
2. The Tevez team, with the agreement and expressed consent of Tevez himself, have done the unthinkable as far as the United board and manager are concerned, sought to push their case consistently through the press. Gill has warned Joorabchian that United will NEVER do business that way.
3. Tevez has played the United fans like a fiddle, waging his own popularity parade, in order to get the fans onside. Worst thing is, he has done this at a time when the club and team focus should be on the CL final in Rome. Also, I don’t know what the United fans are thinking of in going to the lengths they have to support Tevez, who is willing to go even to United despised Loserpool! The booing of a Fergie decision and that at Old Trafford is something never seen at Old Trafford, and I hope never repeated. We don’t need Tevez that bad, that some of the United faithful would turn on Fergie in front of the world’s press.
4. I expect David Gill and Ferguson are sick of explaining to baying United fans why the club has hitherto NOT signed Tevez. Naming specifically the problems they are having with the Tevez owners. I would like to know where these baying United fans have come from, maurauding around OT after the game, like a Rent a Mob. Scenes I haven’t seen before at OT.
4. Lastly, I personally don’t care for Tevez himself publically mouthing continuously to the press and tv. Nor for his big headed assumption that he should be assured as a starter at OT. No player is going to get that assurance promised to them. Apart from Ronaldo, the mard arse who seems to be able to get everything he wants. Then Ronaldo is Ronaldo, and gives United so much more than Tevez.
5. There are plenty of Tevez supporters who will sign your petition mate, but why is it needed really, when United fans have already made LOUDLY clear at every recent game, they want Fergie to re-sign Tevez?
Like?
0 
0
@johnsom33: I hope not Johnsom. Tevez didn’t turn up for the FANS & PLAYERS end of season awards, and was the only player missing. To me that says a lot about his character Bro. Besides, I want the CL final to be ALL about the TEAM and not about one man Tevez!
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: I think We’ll make an offer for Tevez for what we think he’s worth, no more, then bindippers won’t afford the same price, never mind more. Kia will want to sell to citeh or some other crap team with more money than sense and Tevez will be torn between playing for a crap team not in the Champions League and staying with us. What I doubt is his power to persuade Kia to take a pay cut.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: No unfortunately my friend does not run a blog or anything like that. He is very much a stay at home hermit type who never even had a computer 6 years ago until I decided to buy him one so that he would get with 21st century. Once he got it he basically became addicted to it from an Internet perspective and along with his tv, those two items basically encompass 95% of his life. I spend a fair amount of time these days with the PC due to my disability but even I have a semblance of a life, although I could often say there are days when I wonder about myself too. I at least go out and do things with friends and take part in other activities. I love the computer and the tv as well but I also like reading books, going to movies, restaurants and visiting with friends. My working days are over unless I get a back operation but then again, other than the money, I really don’t miss the pressure. I thrived under it but I still feel it drags years off of a person’s life.
Like?
0 
0
@Shera: y not no?
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: I just loved the video of Ibrahimovich asking to be subbed off and Mourinho ignoring his wishes, subbing three other players off including the GK and leaving him out there. Mourinho showed that heartless pile of shite who the Boss is and it just speaks volumes over how much of an ass clown IbrahimoBitch is and how much he lacks the desire, courage and heart that is needed to compete at the highest level. God how I hate that overrated Swedish meatball.
Like?
0 
0
@Beachryan: So true mate, so true. I think UK laws are too lenient or this kind of shite would have been shut down years ago. It’s no wonder Fergie refuse to be interviewed by so many among them the BBC. When you can’ even trust the BBC to tell the truth, then you know the problem is bad.
Like?
0 
0
@johnsom33: I think we’ll see him as a sub. if we are tied or losing. If we’re winning I think Fergie will show him just what he thinks of all the BS that has gone on these past couple of weeks.
Like?
0 
0
@Shera: I’m all for Tevez staying and I do think that at times he has been treated unfairly but I for one would never sign any kind of petition against my club or my manager. I respect Fergie far too much to ever go against him like that. Even if he doesn’t know I exist. That bridge I won’t cross out of loyalty.
Like?
0 
0
@Mr.Muhozi: You need to give us the link mate. OOPS never mind, I noticed you have it below.
Like?
0 
0
@Shera: That pundit you are talking about is an ass clown. I forget his name off the top of my head but I know the guy you are talking about. The guy should be ambulance chasing or hassling movie stars because he is a total hack who never ever gets anything right. The fact he still gets paid is amazing to me. Also, Ribery will cost Real a minimum 50 million to get. Do you think they have 200 million in their coffers to go for him Kaka and other? It’s Ribery or Kaka, not both. And I will put my money on Ribery.
Like?
0 
0
@Shera: Also, where have I said that I don’t think Tevez is leaving. I have said that I hope he doesn’t leave but I do not believe I have said that he is not leaving. At least not lately. I’m pretty reserved to the idea that he is leaving and because of his demand for more playing time. His agent may be about the money but Tevez is about ego and playing time. So yes, I do think he is leaving because I do not see him ever being promised more playing time with United.
Like?
0 
0
Our treble will be better than yours
– http://www.oleole.com/blogs/fcbnews/posts/trebles
Like?
0 
0
Before people start to jump on @Fcbnews, Nic’s a good friend of the blog — and runs a pretty good FC Barcelona blog. I’m sure he meant this as some sort of friendly banter. So be nice.
@Fcbnews: We’ll see.
Like?
0 
0
Cheers RR. All the best mate, except for next Wednesday of course
Like?
0 
0
@Fcbnews: really funny man..
you are talking seriously 
sorry..
absolutely hilarious,,
ohh
Like?
0 
0
I’m about 99% sure we’ll start Rooney on the left for the CL final, in an effort to nullify Messi, it should work well. I hope Fergie will use Berbatov at the top, and Ronaldo on the opposite flank, but I fear/imagine he’ll do the Arsenal formation again, but with Giggs in for Fletcher.
After seeing Chelsea pretty much dominate against Barca in terms of chances created, I have to think Fergie is going to set us up compact and counter-attack driven. So likely:
———–VDS———-
-O’Shea-Rio–Vida-Evra–
—–Carrick-Ando——-
———-Giggs———
–Park———-Rooney–
———Ronaldo——–
Like?
0 
0
=1
Like?
0 
0
@Fcbnews: Only problem is Nik, you won’t be winning the last trophy for your treble to be better than ours
. Good stats mate, but stats won’t be on the field playing a CL game 
, and the Man United team on the field, will win this game. Unless the referee ignores 3 or 4 definate penalty shouts, as was the case at Chelsea. Come on Nik, with all your stats, even you would be hard pushed to say that Chelsea NOT Barca should be facing us in Rome. Happy days mate, but just not the day we play you in the FINAL 
.
Like?
0 
0
I’m wondering where everyone goes on the internet to stream hi-q videos of anything concerning Manchester United. I’m familiar with Fred54, but i can’t figure out if he posts to a specific website or if his videos are simply disseminated at random. Can anyone help?
Like?
0 
0
@Beachryan: I think Berba should play, because we need someone who has close control, good first touch, and can hold the ball up. We need this so that we can keep some possesion away from Barca’s keep football. If Giggsy plays, then I do worry, because he is too oft giving the ball away, conceding possession muchly. Andy will be better I think, because he at least is not easily dispossessed as Giggsy.
Like?
0 
0
@Beachryan:
———–VDS———-
-O’Shea-Rio–Vida-Evra–
—–Carrick-Ando——-
–Park—Berba-Rooney–
———Ronaldo——–
how about this??
Like?
0 
0
@I_Bleed_Red: He’s usually on Soccerpulse forum
Like?
0 
0
@Fcbnews: the stats are impressive mate and your team is to be admired to, but in my opinion the the competition thay you faced in La Ligs this season was poor with no team really providing Barca with a stern test. The fact that Madrid put up a spirited fight should not gloss over that they are a poor side who would struggle to finish in the EPLs top 4 or 5 teams.
Chelsea, who are the 3rd placed team in England, provided your sternest test this season, and it was a test that some might say you were fortunate to pass.
I believe next weeks final has paired the two best teams in Europe together, but as Craig said, stats dont win football matches, players do, so we will see you in Rome my friend, hope you enjoy the match, just not as much as us, Respect.
Like?
0 
0
@Fcbnews: First of all may I start by saying welcome. Secondly may offer my sincerest sympathies for your upcoming loss.
Like?
0 
0
@Fcbnews: I’d be more concerned about how you are going to repair the massive leaks in your defense that have sprung open with the exclusion of both of your fullbacks and Marquez. Then I would pray very hard that Iniesta recovers because if he isn’t playing, that just makes things far too easy for words. Our midfield will suck the air out of Xavi and cut off the passing lanes to Messi. Once that is done we can just stick a fork in you because Barca will be done like dinner.
United have too much class and too much depth. Barca are a quality side but they play in a less physical league where the marking is not like what they faced against Chelsea. They also are a small and very soft team. Physically easy to intimidate and impose one’s dominance over. The fact we are not playing Chelsea in this final after the beating they gave you guys is amazing and almost miraculous. Sorry but I call it as I see it.
Can you win? Yes, but United would have to literally have to choke and Rooney and Ronaldo would have to be no shows on the pitch. I seriously doubt that Ronaldo will not be up for a match that will be all about bragging rights between him and Messi. And as for Messi, he will not show up again for a big match because he gets physically phased out of such matches very easily. Ronaldo will dominate and United will win by at least two goals.
Like?
0 
0
This will be our team for the Champions League final:
VDS
Oshea-Rio/Evans-Vidic-Evra
—Carrick—Anderson—
Park—–Giggs—–Rooney
——–Ronaldo———-
Barcelona are just a Arsenal side with more tecnique and more effective. Their Fabregas is Xavi, their Arshavin is Iniesta and their Walcott is a much better Messi. And if Etoo is Adebayor. Fergie should be happy we faced Arsenal in the semis as it gave us a chance to practise our style against such teams in a vital game instead of training. I believe we can win against Barca if we score on at least 1/3 of our chances, because even though people feel it wont be a great final, the space Barca will leave for us when we counter will be HUUUUGE. And without the speed of Dani Alves and Abidal in defense their back line will be slower than a retirement home. If Rooney, Ronaldo and Anderson can use their speed when we counter we will score a few, I believe. But, time will tell. I can only say that I believe…
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I feel there are 4 players that Barca should be really, really afraid of. Despite they should be afraid of our whole team because we have too much class,
, 4 players in particular should be feared.
Vidic- His aerial power will crush Barca. If we get a corner I would count that as a scoring opportunity before its even taken. Vidic vs Pique, Puyol, or Toure doesnt frighten me the least. When he can own Drogba and Terry like they were little mice then I am looking forward to see what he can do to Xavi, Etoo and Messi.
Anderson- Not my bias talking, but Anderson has been good when being able to show his physique. He normally plays well against top sides, Arsenal and Liverpool, because he faces players like Alonso and Fabregas. Players that need space to do something on the pitch. If he can hazzle Xavi and Inisesta(which I really hope doesnt recover), then he might be one of the most important factors. Plus, his speed on the counter will be vital.
Rooney- If used on the left wing Barca will have serous trouble. First of all, he will help out Evra with Messi, which I feel he has enough defense ability to do. He can cut inside to take a pop at goal, and he can cross which makes him unpredictable. And his crosses have been absolutely mrvellous this year, Inter, Spurs and Sunderland can confirm that. If Ronaldo can get his head on one of those crosses, he will leave Puyol and Valdes stranded.
Ronaldo- I dont feel I need towrite anything here… We all know what he is capable of.
Like?
0 
0
Oh, and by the way guys. Ive staretd my “Rooney- My story” prject for FIFA 09, and I just wonder which songs you feel I should use as the audio trck. Ive got Numb by Linin Park so far, then some commentary from ITV, Sky and BBC. If you could reccomend one more song for me it would be great. Thanks for the help!
Like?
0 
0
5 minutes alone by Pantera
In Manchester at the moment. Went to see Ross Noble’s comedy stylings last night. off on the Old Trafford tour today. woot.
Like?
0 
0
@RedDevilEddy: Can you paste the link for the old videos that you made? The top ten goals thing. Missed them last time.
Like?
0 
0
@RedDevilEddy: Thong Song by Sisqo?
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: Are you serious?!
Dont think it fits for Wazza. 
Like?
0 
0
@RedDevilEddy: Ha Ha only joking mate,
it should match his tatoo The Stereophonics ‘Just Enough Education To Perform’
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: Thanks for the tip mate, “Have a nice day” fit perfectly!
Like?
0 
0