Wayne Rooney...World class: reality or myth???

When people discuss Manchester United, a lot of legendary names & stars come to our minds. The modern day fan starts talking Cristiano Ronaldo & Wayne Rooney & now of course Robin Van Persie. Ronaldo is a player you can’t replace a player of such caliber, the only way you can do it is by signing Messi.

A lot of United fans wore a dejected look when Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009. Even the faithfuls & experts started wondering who will take on the mantle of scoring super goals in the absence of Ronaldo. But the super genius that Sir Alex is, Manchester United carried on & on to knock Liverpool off their perch to achieve the 19th Premier League title. After Ronaldo left, it was evident that United’s star man will be the talisman Wayne Rooney.

There has always been a debate, whether Wayne Rooney is really that good. He certainly does not look world class when playing for England. Some say he goes missing in big games, cuts a frustrated figure when not in form while some say he is a decent striker but not amongst the best. Critics are always at their best when criticising Wayne Rooney. Whether its his off field antics, his weight, his fitness, his discipline, transfer request, relationship with the manager or his form; the media & critics just don’t miss out on an opportunity to discuss Wayne Rooney. People say his time at United is up after the signing of Robin Van Persie & Shinji Kagawa. Some say his best is behind him, some say Sir Alex still holds a grudge against him when he put down a transfer request. Now is all this really true?

People forget they are talking about a footballer who has scored more than 180 goals for Manchester United. He made his United debut in a 6–2 home win over Fenerbahce in the Champions League scoring a hat-trick and laying on an assist. These goals made Rooney the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League aged 18 years 335 days. People forget he is the one who scored the overhead volley in the close & crucial win against Manchester City in the 2010-11 season. Sir Alex described the strike as the best goal he has ever witnessed at Old Trafford. The same season United came from 2 goals down against West Ham to win 4-2 with Wayne Rooney scoring a hat-trick. This was the season when United knocked Liverpool off their perch. The same season Rooney scored the only goal in a 1-0 away win against Chelsea in Champions league quarter final clash 1st leg. He also scored against Schalke in the semi final. He was the only scorer for United when they lost to Barcelona in the finals 3-1.

In the 2009-10 season, he scored in stoppage time against Manchester City taking United in the league cup final with United winning on aggregate 4-3. He scored his 100th premier league goal at the Emirates when United thrashed Arsenal 3-0 away from home. He scored 2 headers in 3-2 away win against Milan at the San Siro, mind you this was United’s first away win at the San Siro. He also scored against Aston Villa ensuring United win the league cup final 2-1. Scored more than 30 goals in the 2009-10 season & won the PFA players player of the year.

In 2008-09 season Rooney & Ronaldo formed a lethal partnership and Manchester United went on to win the Champions league final against Chelsea & Rooney scoring 20 goals in all competition.

In late August last year, Rooney scored his 150th goal for United, the first of a hat-trick helping to demolish Arsenal 8–2.Rooney won man of the match, scoring two free kicks, a penalty, and also contributing an assist for Nani. He followed this up with another hat-trick in the next game; a 5–0 away win over Bolton on 10 September, becoming only the fourth player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick in consecutive games. He scored 2 important goals in FA Cup 3rd Round against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. He scored 2 goals against Chelsea when United were losing 3-0 at Stamford Bridge & the match ended 3-3. He scored both goals when United beat Liverpool last year 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Forget the goals and look at his work rate. He was always ready to take a back seat when Cristiano Ronaldo was in form & stole the limelight. He has always been a team player, working his socks off, running back to defend in the final minutes of the game & then unleashing himself again on the counter attack. Has never been selfish & laid the ball to others when he himself could have taken a pop at the goal.

For me, Wayne Rooney has been an incredible talisman for the Red Devils & will always be. People who say he has fallen out with Ferguson, dont know what they are saying. People who say his best is behind him, need to remember he is just 26 years of age. People who say he does not score in big games, need to check some statistics.

Final Verdict: Watch out for “Wazza” once he is back after the horrible leg gash. He will be better than he has ever been. When the going gets tough…the tough get going!