Why wide boy Rooney strikes a real threat for Manchester United

29 April 2009 01:10
Manchester United's progress to tonight's tantalising ChampionsLeague semi-final against Arsenal owes much to the remarkable goalCristiano Ronaldo scored as the holders won 1-0 at Porto.[LNB]Deep down, however, manager Sir Alex Ferguson knows just how much that victory was down to Wayne Rooney.[LNB]Speaking in South Africa on last year's summer tour, Ferguson vowedto play Rooney in his favoured position as a through-the-middlestriker. That he has not been true to his word says much for United'sneed at times, but more for Rooney's wondrous versatility.[LNB]For all Ronaldo's occasional genius and the intelligent defending ofRio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Rooney remains United's outstandingplayer by a distance. Without him Ferguson's team can sometimes looklost.[LNB] Ferguson: United will be the first team to retain Champions League trophyHands off Nani! United boss Fergie insists flop winger is going nowhereCHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIAL: A trip down memory lane with Manchester United and ArsenalWenger: Our moment has come - Arsenal boss inspired by the glitter of Old Trafford[LNB]And in Porto earlier this month, Ferguson's favourite Scousercontributed one of his very best performances; the type that will oftengo unnoticed by fans and man-of-the-match adjudicators, but never bycoaches and tactical planners.[LNB] Stationed deep on the right of midfield, his role offered him littlehope of personal glory as he was told to restrict the attackingadvances of Porto's leftsided players, Ally Cissokho and CristianRodriguez, and supplement Ronaldo's offensive efforts whenever possible.[LNB] Enlarge With Ryan Giggs attempting to provide similar cover on the other flank, United at times played with supplementary full backs. It was a stroke of tactical wisdom by Ferguson - who had seen Porto cause havoc down the flanks in drawing 2-2 in the first leg - but one that could be put fully into effect only by a player of Rooney's diligence.[LNB]He has an approach that players such as Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov will never understand.[LNB]Enlarge  He was at it again in Saturday's 5-2 win as he relentlessly drove United's comeback against Tottenham from the left of midfield. When United need somebody to haul them onwards and upwards, Rooney is the closest they have to Roy Keane.[LNB]Ferguson recognises Rooney's remarkably selfless contribution but others clearly do not. His United goal tally, which stands at 97, has certainly suffered while, for two years running, he has failed to make the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'His stamina levels are unquestionable. I'm quiteamazed at him. Sometimes that can be costly, in the sense he can burnhimself out and then for maybe 10 minutes he'll drop off a game. Butthen suddenly he explodes and away he goes again. He's amazing. Henever stops. 'There are very few players with that desire and hunger.[LNB]'Sometimeshe prefers to play towards the left side in that little corner inbetween players. He has created that role very well for himself.[LNB] 'It's very interesting to see how he has changed his role a little bit.' Ferguson's suggestion that Rooney has effectively chosen to withdraw from a central striker's role is questionable.[LNB]Rooney struggled with the concept in his early days at United and even now, when asked, he always underlines his desire to play as a traditional No 9.[LNB]Yet tonight it will be a surprise if he doesn't start on the left as Ferguson looks to find a way of stopping Arsenal's Theo Walcott isolating Patrice Evra down that flank.[LNB]Ferguson is desperate for a clean sheet and Rooney will be a crucial part of his plans again.[LNB] Ferguson: United will be the first team to retain Champions League trophyHands off Nani! United boss Fergie insists flop winger is going nowhereCHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIAL: A trip down memory lane with Manchester United and ArsenalWenger: Our moment has come - Arsenal boss inspired by the glitter of Old Trafford [LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail