| Date | Content |
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24.01.2010
(Cashman) | Is There Life After Wayne??
4 goals against Hull has ensured that Wayne Rooney is well on course to surpass his previous best goalscoring season of 23 in all competitions. At the start of the season Rooney was seen as United's white light, the man to turn to in the absence of both Ronaldo and Tevez. He was always a key player, but now he has well and truly stepped out of Ronaldo's shadow. He is THE man at United. He has taken on the role as great players should and is likely to have his most productive season as a result. There have been plenty games where he hasn't been at his best this year but it has often been forgotten how poorly Ronaldo played in a number of matches, only for it to be swept under the mat after he scored a goal or two. And that's fair enough. That's what makes great players great - they can make the difference even when not in the most inspired form.
The question is what do United do if he gets injured? A strikeforce of Owen and Berbatov hardly instills confidence. History has taught us that Rooney hardly manages an entire season injury free. Be it hip, metatarsal, or some other freak occurrence, his body usually succumbs to a strain at some point. One would have to feel that this is all the more likely this year given the extra burden placed on his broad shoulders, both in terms of games played and responsibility.
In the longer term there is an even greater worry for United fans. Rumours have begun to gather pace that he may have to be sold as the Glazers continue their efforts to service the oft spoken about debt. If this come's to pass one worries about the future of United. The current team looks weak as it is, at least in comparison to recent years. Indeed many aspects of the team bring unwelcome reminders of the 2005 era, and the 'heady heights' of Kleberson, Miller, Djemba-Djemba, etc. If Rooney, the only true star and saleable asset in the current team is sold, then what is left?
This is an entirely different scenario to the one which saw Ronaldo leave. Ronaldo wanted to go. Rooney doesn't and appears to love the club. He has bought into its history, something that the Glazers sadly appear to be tainting more and more with each passing day.
And anyway, would it really be in the Glazers best interest to sell Rooney? Sure, he would bring in a one off transfer fee of massive proportions but what hope would this United team have of success without him? The last faint glimmer of hope would be extinguished. If the Glazers think the protests they are experiencing now are bad, it would be incomparable to the flak they would receive if Rooney was sold. Yesterday against Hull there were empty seats at Old Trafford. How many more would be empty if Rooney was not in the team altogether? The Glazer's much sought after corporate "fans" would surely be thin on the ground if United's last marquee name was sold.
The fact is that by selling Rooney the Glazers would end up losing money in the long run - in terms of the teams success (or lack thereof) and gate receipts. Not to mention the commercial opportunities Wayne presents.
They have already alienated a huge chunk of United fans - selling Rooney would test the fragile relationship still further, and probably stretch it to breaking point. |
| Date | Comments | |
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28.01.2010
(mike) | They wont sell Rooney. I think Rooney underlined his importance to Man Utd last night against Man City. He is now becoming truly world class and defenantly relishes the extra responsibility. If England are to do anything at the world cup, he needs to be at his best. |
