Talking Points: Manchester United 0 - 0 Chelsea

The big switch

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on August 26, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney was a surprise inclusion in the first team, after transfer speculation doing the rounds almost forced the United manager David Moyes to pause and think. A highly reported rumour suggests a possible switch between Chelsea and the red side of Manchester, with Juan Mata shifting to United and Rooney travelling to Chelsea. However absurd this may seem, it may be the reason why Mata hasn’t really reprised the role he played last season. The latest addition of the Brazilian Willian will further raise doubts as to what will become of the highly rated Spaniard.

Rooney, though, seemed to be playing without a worry in the world. He was central to the United attack; creating and challenging for possession. He even created a chance which he could only thump lightly into the hands of Cech, but he didn’t seem perturbed by any possible speculation. Moyes sent out a clear message that Rooney is clearly not being side-lined just yet, and Chelsea will need more than a miracle to pry him out of Manchester United.