Wayne Rooney debate clouded by confusion as evidence points in different directions

10 March 2013 09:25
Confusion has gatecrashed the career of Wayne Rooney. He ranks fourth in Manchester United's all-time scoring charts, is lauded for his willingness to operate anywhere for the red cause yet is banished to the bench for the game of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson drops him, then supports him. Is the writing on the wall or on a new contract? Confusion permeates any debate about Rooney’s ability. He has won four Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups (yet not an FA Cup, which will make him even more determined to do well against Chelsea today). He has not trained on as Cristiano Ronaldo did at United and again at Real Madrid. Rooney, a far less egotistical individual, sacrifices himself for the team more. Only Angel di María and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have supplied more assists than Rooney’s four in the Champions League this season yet his passing was not always reliable, one ball in three being lost to the opposition. The harder you focus on the Englishman, the more blurred the picture becomes. Greater clarification could arrive in the unfortunate event of Robin van Persie falling lame and while Danny Welbeck develops his finishing skills. Following his omission against Real, Rooney was described as angry, as considering a move, yet he clearly loves Old Trafford (where the fans gave him a huge cheer).

Source: telegraph