Source: Daily_Mail
Wayne Rooney's disregard for Manchester United's 'stand-ins' proven to be ridiculous
Wayne Rooney has made an unfortunate habit of saying things he then regrets this season, as his absence from Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley illustrates.[LNB]But nothing now appears more ridiculous than the reasons he outlined for wanting to leave Manchester United in October.[LNB]Back then, he accused chief executive David Gill of failing to give him 'any of the assurances' he 'was seeking about the future squad'. Back then, he was doubting the club's 'continued ability to attract the top players in the world... For me it's all about winning trophies,' he then added, having stated he would not be signing a new contract. [LNB] Better than expected: Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling has exceed expectation this season[LNB]Basically, he said he had taken a look around the dressing room and wasn't that impressed by what he saw, and at a time when they were trailing in Chelsea's wake in the Barclays Premier League title race he clearly didn't fancy them to win much. [LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson resisted the temptation to remind him of that yesterday, blaming his representatives for the wording of that statement. 'I don't think he really meant that,' said Ferguson. 'I think he was prompted on that one. Probably thought he could make me angry.'[LNB]But Rooney must now look at the players who will meet Manchester City in his absence and be mightily relieved that he eventually chose to stick around, albeit after securing that fat new contract. [LNB]While Rooney has played a significant part in the success they have so far enjoyed this season, he must realise he misjudged the qualities of the team. A team that has reached a fourth Champions League semi-final in five years and has a very real chance of repeating that astonishing treble in 1999.[LNB] Class above: Wayne Rooney remains the standout talent at United[LNB]How could he not be impressed by the players who are expected to lead United's attack in his place this evening? The leading scorer in the Premier League in Dimitar Berbatov and the young striker now keeping the Bulgarian out of the side when Rooney is available. [LNB]Javier Hernandez has been described this week as one of the best signings in the last 10 years and he has certainly proved himself the kind of player Rooney wanted to see arriving at Old Trafford. Not least with those marvellous performances against Chelsea in that Champions League quarter-final. [LNB]In fairness to Rooney, even Ferguson admits Hernandez has surprised him. Did he imagine he would make such an impact in his first season in English football?[LNB]'No, to be honest I didn't,' he said. 'We said to (Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer when he arrived, your first season will be all about integration, getting used to the club, getting used to the training, and we did exactly the same with Hernandez. [LNB]'But after Ole played two reserve games he scored a hat-trick against Leeds. Jim Ryan said: 'He's a first-team player, there's no point in him playing reserve team football'. [LNB]'We made him a sub the following week at Blackburn and he scored. It was the same with Hernandez. When he came in, having come from South America, we felt it would take him time to bed in. The only advantage for Hernandez was the World Cup. [LNB] Fringe benefits: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was undoubtedly one of United's most valuable assets during his playing days[LNB]'In that respect we had a far better product in Hernandez, as opposed to Ole when he came. There were a lot of unknowns about Ole, and we took a bit of a gamble.'[LNB]In Hernandez, Ferguson particularly admires a 'natural attacking instinct'. 'He's fantastic,' he said. 'It's a natural instinct he has, to be moving about the box. There have been a few top strikers, who've had that quality. Ole was one and the boy Hernandez. His timing is terrific!'[LNB]He is exactly the kind of player Roberto Mancini must only wish he had when he too has lost his principal striker to injury for this momentous derby. His alternatives to Carlos Tevez? The distinctly unimpressive Edin Dzeko and the problematic Mario Balotelli. [LNB]Dzeko will probably start today and, as Ferguson pointed out yesterday, Mancini is sure to pick his strongest side for two very good reasons. The desperate need for that first trophy for owner Sheik Mansour and the fact they have more than a week to recover before rejoining the race for the Champions League places. [LNB] Must do better: City's 'back-up' strikers have not had the same impact as their equivalent at United[LNB]As defender Joleon Lescott said of Mancini: 'I've been surprised how much he wants to win the FA Cup. Unlike other cups, he hasn't made a lot of changes when he might have done.'[LNB]With the Premier League and the Champions League the main priorities, Ferguson is expected to rest some of his more experienced players. Even on a day when he will become the first manager to be banned from the dug-out for a major game at Wembley. Ryan Giggs is unlikely to start, and the same goes for Rio Ferdinand. [LNB]But this, again, is what makes those concerns Rooney expressed so misguided. Chris Smalling, much like Hernandez, has also proved himself a valuable addition to the squad, while the return of players like Ferdinand, Anderson and Antonio Valencia from injury has given Ferguson the squad he needs to juggle the demands of three competitions. [LNB] Big miss: Carlos Tevez will not face his former club after picking up a hamstring injury[LNB]All his players possess a winning mentality. 'I don't know the mental side of any of their players, because I've not worked with any of them, apart from Tevez of course,' he said. 'So I really don't know that. Only Roberto will know that, he'll know his players much better. I know my own players and, obviously, they have been used to big game situations many times, so we don't have to conquer that.[LNB]'Winning the first trophy at any level is important. I've experienced that in Aberdeen, St Mirren and here.'[LNB]It is that experience, and the quality that Rooney was slow to identify, that should prove the difference against City today. [LNB] FA Cup semi-final showdown in London can make Manchester one city united againIt's the ?200m inter City express! Mancini's men get the train to London Des Kelly: Farcical exodus illustrates FA's serious contempt for football fansAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Edin Dzeko, Alex Ferguson, Joleon Lescott, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Roberto Mancini, Antonio Valencia, Mario Balotelli, David Gill Places: Leeds, Aberdeen
