Source: Daily_Mail
Wayne Rooney's running them all ragged... and the stats prove it
Wayne Rooney has urged his Manchester United team-mates to 'win the title in style' and will be bursting a gut to achieve that ambition.[LNB] In addition to tearing teams apart with his fantastic form, our exclusive statistics show the forward is also pulling opponents all over the pitch with his prodigious work-rate.[LNB] Rooney has been revelling in his new role of second striker behind the impressive Javier Hernandez, scoring goals, conducting moves and putting in more miles than any of his team-mates.[LNB] In each of his past three Premier League appearances, Rooney has run at least a mile further than the United average.[LNB] Against Everton, he covered 7.88miles - more than two miles further than United's average - which was greater than any teammate in each of their last four League games.[LNB] Rooney's 101 touches, 72 passes and four dribbles against his former club were also greater in number than anything achieved by any of his team-mates.[LNB] He created two chances in each of his past three matches. Oh, and don't forget he scored a hattrick against West Ham.[LNB] The deeper position was a role he occupied in his youth at Everton before he was switched to becoming a more orthodox striker. And there is no doubt which role he favours.[LNB] 'I'm enjoying my football and the new role I'm playing,' he said.[LNB] 'Hernandez has been fantastic for us and I'm enjoying backing that up.[LNB] A spring in his step: Rooney breezes past Schalke's ineffective man-marker Kyriakos Papadopoulos[LNB] 'It's nice to spend so much time on the ball. I always played there growing up as a young player at Everton.[LNB] 'I've never really had a run of games there for United, but the past few weeks the manager has given me that job and I'm enjoying it.[LNB] 'I feel like it's my natural position because I've always liked to drop into space and get more time on the ball. It's great helping to make things happen and passing the ball a lot.'[LNB] On the title race, Rooney added: 'I'm surprised we have been able to draw away a bit at the top, but the whole season has been crazy. We've managed to get some consistency. Hopefully now we can push on.' [LNB] [LNB]Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official playerrating index of the Barclays Premier League[LNB] Keep it quiet! Sir Alex Ferguson and Mick McCarthy speak out against vile tauntsWe miss Ronaldo! Ferguson admits Manchester United lack 'wow' factor[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Wayne Rooney
