I don’t doubt that Wayne Rooney still has a lot to offer, but achieving that promise requires a response on his part.
Soon after he arrived in 2004 Wayne Rooney took Old Trafford by storm. The crowning achievement was a 6-2 demolition of Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Rooney then went on to break Bobby Charlton’s all-time goal-scoring record.
Courtesy: Mirror.co.uk
I thought Rooney would maintain a high level of performance, just like his former teammate, Christiano Ronaldo.
I was wrong. What I’ve seen from Rooney over the last three years is a player in decline.
Let us face it. Rooney has lost a yard of pace along with a killer instinct in front of the goal. He shows lack of movement in and around the box, and he’s generally unable to hold on and invite others into play. To crown it off, his general fitness isn’t good.
Those deficiencies prompted former manager Louis Van Gaal to occasionally use Rooney in the midfield–a move designed to cover up his weaknesses. Rooney said that he had reached a point in his career where that move made sense.
But new manager Jose Mourinho didn’t see it that way. “Maybe he [Rooney] is not a striker, not a No. 9 anymore, but for me he will never be a No. 6, playing 50 metres from the goal. You can tell me his pass is amazing, but my pass is also amazing without pressure. To be there and put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing. For me he will be a 9, a 10, a nine-and-a-half, but never a 6 or even an 8.”
After being relegated to the fringes of the United squad, Rooney’s dip in form has became a subject of debate among fans. They are increasingly frustrated about Rooney lacklustre performance on the pitch.
Is Rooney on his way out after a difficult season? Rooney could remain at United despite a reduced role. Mourinho has repeatedly said that he wants Rooney to stay. But his comments about Rooney’s injuries and not being fit enough to start games could be indications that Rooney’s career at United may be at an end.
Mourinho has been careful with his choice of words. He’s trying to maintain a good sporting relationship with his captain. But the handwriting may be on the wall. Competition for places will be tough next season as the club continues to make statement signings, especially in the attack. It will be difficult for Rooney to find a spot on this squad.
What does the future hold for this 31-year-old?
I think Rooney should move on and find a club where he will get more games under his belt. But even that option is dicey. A return to Everton is unlikely. The Toffees are unlikely to pay close to Rooney’s £300,000-a-week wages. A move to China could be another option, but I don’t think Rooney will fancy a move to Asia. A third option is to see out his contract at United, which has one year left to run.
I don’t doubt that Rooney still has a lot to offer, but achieving that promise requires a response on his part. The most immediate matter is his fitness. He must get control over his weight and take better care of his body overall.
It’s make or break time for Rooney. Fans are anxious to see what comes next.
