Manchester United - Turning back time?

I know it’s been a while since the UCL matches, but there’s an image that stays in my mind. In the Manchester United-Cluj game, Robin van Persie, United’s newest hero, scored the most sublime goal I’ve seen in a while to put United 2-1 up and win the (close) game. It wasn’t a spectacular goal by any means; but the quality of football that preceded the moment the ball touched the net, was nothing short of perfection. A finish of the highest quality following a lofted pass, provided by Wayne Rooney, which can only be called brilliance. And the first goal, although very lucky, was also a result of the RVP-Rooney combination. I felt a sense of déjà vu. I knew I had seen this before. An Englishman and a Dutchman playing together, in United colours, in such perfect harmony? Now, where had I seen that before?

Oh, yes!

Wayne Rooney is probably one of the best players in the world. Note I say ‘player’ and not ‘striker’ because I never really considered Rooney a classic striker. He is, and always has been, a little different. He has the unique ability to switch positions seamlessly and alternate between scoring, assisting, and when the occasion demands it, even defending. He has all the qualities of a world-class striker – pace, power, finishing and oodles of talent. But he doesn’t have the one quality that all strikers need to have – a greed to score. Note, I said greed, not hunger; because he does have the latter.

Now don’t get me wrong here, but greed is not a bad thing. It’s the mark of a world-class striker to have the desire to score as many goals as humanly possible, even if that means being a tad selfish. And all great strikers have shown shades of that greed. Even the usually faultless Messi wanted the ball at his feet in the Barcelona-Malaga league match, which led to the much publicized Messi-Villa on-field spat. And that is what defines a good striker from a great one – the greed.

But back to Rooney. In the Newcastle game, we saw him start well behind the strikers, almost like an attacking midfielder. And there has been talk of how Alex Ferguson is planning to make Rooney a full-time midfielder. And now I’m almost sure it’s true; because I see how effective Rooney is in midfield; he’s combative, aggressive and committed. Just what the doctor ordered for United in this ‘midfield crisis’ they’re having. And it makes sense now.

Everyone (maybe even a few Arsenal fans) was salivating at the prospect of watching Rooney and RVP play together, after RVP signed for United. And so far, they haven’t disappointed. Everyone has been questioning why Alex Ferguson didn’t sign a midfielder this season. And I think we’re all realizing what he knew a while ago; they already have someone who could be the greatest of them all; Wayne Rooney.

But whether he will be or not, is another story altogether. We can see, on a good day, that Rooney can do what Beckham did for United; on his day, he can be one of the most feared strikers in the world; but as a midfielder, he can be THE most feared.

So, if things work out for SAF and co., we could possibly be watching a midfielder who can run the game, score goals, defend when needed and basically scare the opposition stiff; and of all the things, in a Manchester United jersey.

Now, where have I seen THAT before?

Just saying…