Lame Looney: How Wayne Rooney Hurts Manchester United

Think Andrei Shevchenko is the only overpaid and underperforming star in the EPL? Don't forget about Wayne Rooney, says Melvin Chua.

by Melvin Chua (Scribe)

56

2292 reads

Sports

October 01, 2007

Manchester United, Wayne Rooney

Everyone has been talking about the useless piece of £30 million meat that is Andrei Shevchenko—but I'll do them one better:

How about Wayne Rooney?

Sir Alex Ferguson has called Rooney one of only five world-class players he's ever coached. That praise, along with a £20 million contact, has effectively put Rooney on a pedestal in Manchester.

Still, I'll stick my neck out here:

Rooney is overrated, and Manchester United are better off with him not in the starting lineup.

Why?

Look at the numbers, for starters.

Rooney has scored seven goals in 28 appearances against credible teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Milan, and Roma. This brings me to my first beef:

Rooney doesn't perform on the big stage—certainly not like a "world-class" player should.

Granted, Rooney isn't a natural goal-scorer, but he's always been one of United's most important offensive threats. Given the opportunities he gets, the lack of goals against big teams glaring.

Known for his fiery demeanor, Rooney often draws unnecessary fouls or is distracted by conflicts with opponents and officials. Until he get a handle on his overconfident contentiousness, he'll continue to be a disciplinary liability.

Rooney's playing style is another cause for concern. He has a habit of running the ball into the wide and corner positions,  where he's very often crowded out by two or more defenders. He also tends to lose the ball due to poor touch and awareness, and is unable to bring his teammates into the game—a vital  skill for someone employed in his position.

Rooney's finishing is inconsistent at best. He used to score spectacular goals, and is still able to put away easy chances, but he has yet to score in 10 competitive games this year—four of which came against inferior teams.

The only advantage to having Rooney on the pitch is his determination and physical presence, which cause problems for defenders and open up space for his teammates.

I take issue with Ferguson including Rooney among the likes of  Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, and Ryan Giggs. The 22-year-old has yet to achieve anything on the big stage—and won't be "world-class" until he does so.

Perhaps this is another mind-game from the wily old Scot, in an attempt to elevate Rooney’s level of play. What I know for sure is that Rooney has to find his game soon—if he doesn't, Tevez and Saha should supplant the Lame Looney in the first team.

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comments (56) write a comment »

  1. I suggest you throw away your pen and paper. For a start he has won the premiership and without Rooney we would have lost against Milan at Old Trafford. I agree he isn't a forward but he gets a lot of goals for someone that isn't.
    I think Fergie knows more than you!

    1. Stop talking like you know football. Wayne Rooney did not become one of the most well known players in the world at 22 years old by being a benchwarmer. His inconsistency is nothing to be concerned about, and Ferguson can see that. Rooney is more than just a name, but a team player and has just as many assists under his belt as goals. Rooney is a pivotal part of Man. U and to change that would devastate the team, city, and ranking in the premiership

    2. This is rubbish, you dont know what youre talking about. "Rooney has never performed on the big stage", you say. Then I say european championship 2004, he was the king. You would see that without Rooney, Utd wouldnt be half as good as they are without him, he s exceptional in so many ways. Ok he may not be the best goalscorer of all time but last season he scores 25 goals or something like that for man utd and as long as he keeps doing that and plays like a god, your statements are totally rubbish.

    3. You are talking trash brother.Remember that hattrick against Fenerbahce...and that last minute goal against Milan last time out in the Champions League..may be he is not a natural goal scorer..but he's the linchpin behind Man utd's success. Moreover, his goal scoring tallies in the last 2 seasons have been pretty impressive. So, think again before you report anything

  2. Hahah Wayne is very inconsistent but his potential is astonishing. Ferguson keeps him on the pitch because he explodes spontaneously and he's one of the only players in the world that could somewhat have filled the void left by Keane in terms of "overconfident contentiousness". Roy was also "a disciplinary liability", but Fergie made Roy his captain. Rooney fits that same mold and Fergie is delighted. Wayne's influence has been priceless, literally. ROONEEY, ROONEEY!

  3. Sorry Melvin but your so wrong....Wayne Rooney is world class! Tevez also has a poor goal scoring record in the EPL but you say he should start first...why? Support young English talent or what is the point in football anyway!

  4. get off your ass and take a few touches for once, and then, only then, will you begin to understand the little things that roo does that make him absolute class, the perfect teammate, and easily one of the best strikers in the world. football is not only about goals scored, especially in a team with so many offensive threats such as manchester united. so watch a game or two and you'll get it

  5. What the heck ! ask any manager in the world if rooneys top class or not ,and the answer that will be whacked on your face is YES .do you have the faintest idea of football,the obvious answer is no.how the hell do you even get the nerve to write this ?because of rooney the other strikers score ,wazza has brilliant vision,he pulls defenders towards him and allows space to other strikers.
    So i guess you think twice before writing such a stupid article that is if you can think.

  6. wow you obviously have no idea what you are talking about!!

  7. maybe you should write a piece on how to alienate english football fans......oh wait this is it.....

  8. How can you call someone who has not achieved anything on the big stage world-classed? Never near the World/ European Player of the Year despite Man United brilliant 06/07 season which is voted by coaches and journalists from around the world. He may have put in brilliant performances in the PAST but as I said, the last 10 games he has been ineffectual and those brilliant peformances are too far between.

    Do not be blinded by Rooney the brand as to Rooney the player, when attempting to make objective judgement on a player. That is why he is world reknown. He may explode spontaneously but he has not done so in recent time when his team needed him (during the stuttering and poor goal scoring start), and statistically England plays better WITHOUT Rooney. He is still only a raging bull that can lack direction and is unable to involve his team mates.

    Keano had the respect of his team mates and is a loyal and long serving soldier, Rooney is only 22 and has played four seasons, please do not put both on them on the same plate.

  9. wow i cant believe i actually just read that. how is it possible that someone can delude almost every football fan in the world to believe that he is a great and you alone can "see through his tricks". how can that many people be so wrong. your telling me you know better than furgie, the united team and coaches, the England staff, and so on...

    you obviously have no clue what ur talking about and you just about lost all your english readers

  10. rooney had been injured at the start of the season and i belive that was why united had a stuttering start, so yes u can blame rooney for that, for being injured! (that was for melvin) who doesnt know what hes on about!

  11. rooney really is not the player everybody think he is, he is just an average player like anelka or someone like that that has a good game every once in a while and scores nasty goals, now, hes potential is huge, so big, he could be one of the best players ever but playing in one of the best teams in the world and with a poser like c.ronaldo hes not gonna explode that magic that we used to see, what he needs is a change, a team where he has to fight for a starting position and score to keep it, hes gotta stop being ManU's and Sir Alex's spoiled little boy

  12. hahaha fuck off

  13. stickin your neck out, well done wanker

  14. oh my god !
    melvin you are foolish and stubborn,you no nothing of football ,have you ever seen any matches-i presume not.I think you are doing this just to get some attention ,you 5 year old !

  15. Respectfully I disagree with your column here. I do think that Rooney is world-class. I think that, after breaking his metatarsal in the first game of our season, he is struggling to find his footing (pun unintentional) but the more that SAF puts him out front the more comfortable he will become. I think that the more chances he gets the more he will be like the Rooney of last season.
    While he may have a temper that is very documented, it really does convey the passion that he has for the game and as he matures he has toned that down considerably. The same can be said for the early antics of Cristiano Ronaldo like rolling around on the field to get penalties for knocks that were not worthy of them. As you grow you tone down a lot.
    As to your assertion that Tevez should start in place of Rooney, I still need to get some proof that he cares more about the squad and scoring goals than his band and its Myspace page. I didn't follow him prior to the signing at Man U but the highlights I have seen prove he can do major things...he just hasn't yet at Man U so I reserve the judgment until I see him REALLY perform.
    Finally as to your belief that, if Rooney doesn't perform soon, Saha should take his spot, I really take issue with that since Saha has been known more in recent weeks for keeping the physios employed than doing anything for the team. while he is starting to rev up, even he admits that he isn't 100% and still has to prove he can do more than take Penalty kicks and bench ride for this substitution you suggest to be relevant. That is just my opinion, however.

  16. Melvin,
    At first glance a someone will believe you know what you are talking about. A closer look will reveal otherwise. For starters you agree that Wayne's presence on the turf is enough to shiver some deffence lines what to me is a credit. Then you agree with me that he helps to open up for others which is another. You then state that he isn't a natural far forward but scores even though to you not as good. Again another beautiful observation on your part, then you fail the mathematics pure. You limit his contribution to goal scoring statics. Am sure you dont know what football is all about. You seem to think its about just the goal! Am disappointed by people of your kind saying they are analyzing the beautiful game.

  17. I think Rooney could have developed into a world class player. He had all the atributes, physhe, skills and temperament of a world-class player. the problem with Rooney was that he left Everton too early. It was at Everton that Rooney was slowly learning discipline. He was benched frequently not only because of his age but also to learn from others, watch the game and also be aware that as soon as his standards dip, he was never guaranteed a starting place. He knew his place. he was NO star at Everton, just a young and upcoming player, like James Vaughn and victor Anichebe is now. But as soon as he left for Man U, he immediately became a star. A fully developed player. He never had his time to really develop. If he stayed at Everton a couple more years and truly developed to be world class, then made his move (like Torres did and other players did), he would have been not only appreciated by the Everton fans but also would be a finished article. Rooney jumped the gun, forced Everton to sell him and then became a star that cannot be dropped at Man U. He thinks he is the best player in the world and referees should always listen to his every word. I believe he has the potential to be world class and shows that potential on and off.. however, I doubt he will ever be world-class if he is in Man U and his ego continues to get the better of him.

  18. Even Keano had to start somewhere, huh, Melvin. He didn't just show up and gain the respect of the team.

    He showed up and did great things for the team, scored some important goals (Manchester derby winner), and became the roar of the team. If you tried to disprove that Rooney showed up at United and did exactly the same, you would fail. I don't need to remind you that Wayne had the greatest debut match of any United forward in decades, and he came in to the team with his nation in full-voiced support of him after he proved to be Europe's most promising and dangerous young talent in Euro 2004. I don't know about you, but I saw the love Roo got from his United teammates from day one. I do put them on the same plate, Keano and Roo. The same magic that Keano, Giggsy, Scholesy, Cantona, Hughesy, and the like have brought to the Premiership, Roo has definitely brought.

    Have you forgotten Cantona's barren spells?? I'm sorry to keep comparing Roo to former United greats, but you have to see that there really is little difference between them in terms of entertainment-value, potential, and influence. I understand your point about Roo the brand and Roo the player being separate from one another, but like a fan stated above, Roo didn't garner the worldwide brand name by being an inconsistent performer, or by being a second string forward. Plus, how could United be better as a club without Wayne Rooney when everybody knows how much emphasis the gaffer puts on entertainment and excitement.

    Sure, any player who opens his mouth as much as Rooney does on the field, better have a lot to show for himself, but I'd bet his contract that by the end of the season he'll equal or surpass last year's goal tally of 23. Rooney always come through in the end. All these fans screaming obscenities in reply to your post are the ones with the faith.

  19. melvin you should go back to mars... rooney is the greatest english player at the moment. what he need is a good striker to help him out so he can shine. someone like saha but unfortunately he is always injured. look at how great he played last year when larsson was at united...further more the kid is still young hes 21...i think that when you want to write about an overpaid player you take a look at all of the chelsea team. besides essien and terry. everybody else is overpaid. and useless.

  20. Problem is, if you look back in the news archives (summer of 2004, I believe) you'll find Arsene Wenger specifically saying, 'I think I'll be making a bid for him soon.'

    Now, whether Fergie would agree that Roo was learning better discipline at Everton or not, he definitely wasn't going to leave Roo at Everton for another minute.

    The game's fast. Roo had so much potential that he was bound to be scooped up early by a top club and made into a media sensation. If Fergie hadn't come in for him when he did, it surely would've been the Gunners, or God knows who.

    I'm not complaining that Roo came out into the spotlight when he did. Plus, I don't believe it was United that made him an instant star, I really believe it was Euro 2004 that did that. It was definitely Euro 2004 that got the United staff salivating, that's for sure. After that showing, he wasn't going to be at Everton for much longer, was he?

  21. Rooney is a class players there is no doubt about it. He has struggled with injuires at the beginning of the season inhibiting his performances. You can never doubt his work ethic and his passion. I like to think that he is a professional and not just in it for the money like other players I can think of. Even if he is not scoring goals he is a handful for defenders because of his power, strenght and his ability in and around the box.

    All players go though bleak spells in there career, but evenutally he will hit form and for those who are already writing him off will be eating your words.

    If fit he should be automatic choice for he England set up because he is a brilliant player, and who ever wrote the article above has a screw lose because to me it does not sound like you even watch football. Rooney has a sublime touch and one of his greatest abilities is bringing other players in and creating space. Everyone misplaces a pass once and a while (even myself, but not regulary of course) and because there is some much focus on his game these things are highlighted more than others.

    So dont bother sticking your neck out because your opinions are inaccurate and basically pointless. Dont bother doing it again.

  22. All I'm reading is "Waaaah! Waaaah!". Rooney is a good player but he's not "World class", not yet anyways. Giving him time to mature and find his strides, you'll find he'll become an even greater player than everyone expects. But he still isn't there. It's nonsense filling his head with all this ego-inflating talk about him being one of the greatest players in the game. Give him a chance to find his rythym and he'll surprise the lot of you. Now everyone get off the "Bag Melvin" bandwagon and realise Rooney for what he is, full of untapped potential.

  23. i am not a manchester united fan....but even i can see the talent that wayne rooney has....yes he is young and sometimes this shows in his behaviour......but look out ....in a few years you will have to eat your words..........but i am an england fan....and glad to have him in the team..

  24. well im the farthest thing from a man utd fan, yet i cannot deny the talent of rooney
    first off, i agree with u in that fergy should never have grouped rooney with cantona or keane, but maybe he will be one day
    hes a proven scorer, and if he hasnt scored against greater competition...so wat? u get 3 points from any game u win
    still i cant stand his style of playing and his over weight shrek appearence
    o, and he plays 4 man utd...so thats bad enuff

  25. 1. I am a Manchester United fan and my intention is not to diss Rooney in any way.

    2. I am glad that the comments have been passionate and insightful.

    3. I believe everyone is entitled to his opinion, which should be politely discussed between people with the same interest. Reading this kind of replies is highly disappointing.

    4. The purpose of this article is to take issue with Rooney being called a world-classed player without achieving much to deserve this label. It is also to say he has to reinvent his game and make a bigger impact if he were to contribute greater to the United/English cause and live up to Fergie's (pre-mature) assessment. What he is doing now is not enough to call him world-class. He has not performed substantially and empirically in big games to warrant him being called world-classed, especially when there are people like Paul Scholes in the squad.

    5. His potential is beyond doubt, but he needs something extra to bring him from a very good player, to a world-classed one.

    6. How United plays now is employing 3 players - most of the time Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez, which are players that would draw 2 defenders each time they have the ball in the final 3rd, to drift across the field from left to right to draw those defenders and hopefully create and leave behind more space for one another to exploit in that process. Rooney (recently) lacks the awareness to release the ball a tad bit earlier to avoid being crowded out, and (also recently) finds it hard to get his teammates involved in the game, which is the whole essence of this tactics to attacking. This is the current problem he is facing.

    7. He may be out of sync to the pace and his form due to his injury, but he needs to bring it on soon.

    8. Saha does spend more time on the physio table than on the pitch, but he has popped up to score in important games when goals were sorely needed. He may not have more talent than Rooney, but he delivers when required, something that Rooney is lacking. This is one of the attributes of being world-classed (delivering when needed), although Saha does not fall in that category. I can recall more important goals scored by Saha than Rooney.

    9. Many have said Tevez has single-handedly save West Ham from relegation, remembering that the last 7-10 matches of last season saw West Ham facing tough opponents. His quality is beyond doubt, but what is maybe an area of question is his loyalty and passion for the club. He is better able to involve his teammates in the game compared to Rooney. This is my opinion, which could be pre-mature admittedly, that is open to polite contestation.

    10. To be world-class, in my opinion, is to have the following attributes
    a) Be able to win games singlehandedly when required (think Maradona)
    b) Be able to win big games singlehandedly when required (Peter Schmeichel)
    c) Be in serious reckoning for World Player of the Year, European Player of the Year for the sake of professional recognition by his peers and the media
    d) Displays consistency (Roy Keane)
    e) Having appeared on the biggest stages against the biggest teams and leaving a memorable mark (Zidane)
    f) Having attributes relative to the position he plays that are priceless and at their highest levels, which contribute to the team's all round success (Ronaldo aka Buck Tooth)
    g) Must necessarily won enough accolades (throphies) as a player in a team as empirical proof of his penchant for success (Paolo Maldini)

    Barring any interferences and distractions (personal or professional), these are the attributes that I feel make a world-class player. The players named there are/were all world-classed, Rooney has the potential but still has a lot to achieve before earning this label. Mere potential is not enough.

    11. I hope this makes my position clearer. I take issue with his recent ineffectual form and him being labelled world-class, not with his potential to be one nor his abilities for that matter since he has shown flashes of what he capable of. I am glad to discuss and hear constructive opinions and criticism.

  26. I don't believe in what you are putting across Melvin......A world class player is a player who stands out above good professional players and Rooney does this. Christiano Ronaldo up until his goal this weekend had done very little this season and he is still also a World Class player.

    You just can't compare a Rooney to a Saha as Saha is a very good pro but he is not world class. What did Roy Keane win outside of English Football? nothing much and he was a headcase...but yes he was world class.

    A world class player has that ability to do just one thing in a game that changes the result, that moment of magic that no one expects......rooney is that world class!

  27. Keane has led United admirably to the Champions League title (remember Turin), something Rooney has yet to do.

    Saha isn't as good as Rooney, but he delivers more often in big games than Rooney does. Especially in recent times, and when he is not on the physio table. Think Celtic and Chelsea last season. Take into consideration the amount of games Saha has played compared to Rooney, it could be telling.

    A moment of magic could be fluke, many moments of magic aren't. I have not seen enough moments of magic from Rooney to justify him being the context of world-class that you are talking about.

  28. For someone who knows a lot of big words you obviuosly know sod all about football. You must be watching a different rooney to the rest of us. He is usually Man Utds best player when he is fit. You must forget how many injuries the guys had in the last couple of years.

  29. Maybe you did not read my replies on his obvious capabilities which amplifies his ineffectual performances of recent times, and the fact he does not qualify as being world-class (yet) but is still seen as one by many.

  30. Rooney is quite average and will prove to be so in the coming seasons. He has some talent and a good physique, but he lacks the intelligence, composure and behaviour to become a world class player. The Gazza way looms, and he will be lucky if he ever manages to be as good as Gazza while walking down that road

  31. hhmmmmmmm...well first ur comment on rooney running to the wings..rooney doesnt always run to the wings,only wen he see's fit..

    Here is a lesson on footie:

    When a team(MU) is attacking,a plyr(e.g. Ronaldo) will carry the ball froward. The opposing team defenders will get tight and compact in the middle(tis is common football stategy)..tis is to avoid through passes to the striker(rooney) and to avoid a 1-on-1 situation or a 2-to-1 stuations..

    The striker(rooney) will run to the wings to give the plyr wit the ball an option 2 pass to the striker in an open position..if the ball is passed to the striker(rooney),a defender has 2 come to close the striker(rooney) down or else its a free run towars the goal. tis will stretch the defence line leaving gaps in the defence.

    This gaps can b exploited by incoming midfielders(scholes,etc.) to run into...the ball is passed and this will give the midfielders a scoring oppurtunity in the box

    In this he is a team plyr as well...rooney is magic and can pop up wit anythin on the field

  32. fuck

  33. 23 goals and 16 assists in 55 games is not bad, especially for a twenty-two year old second striker. He's not in the top 10 best players in the world but he'd be a first team regular for any club team in the world with the exception of one, Barcelona. I agree that he's overrated by many but he's still a great player, maybe not yet world-class, but very close.

  34. Roy Keane didn't even play in the Champions League final...so did he lead the team to victory? no he did not.

  35. He played the game of his life in juventus to bring the team from defeat to the final even though he was suspended for the final. Scoring one of the goals in the process. If that is not a world-class performance and professional I really don't know what is.

  36. And Wayne Rooney has never turned in a world class performance? I believe he turns them in all the time. He may not be as consistant as he cud be but that doesn't make him not world class. I've played professional football and I have never seen a player with even one or two of Rooneys attributes and I've played against international players.

    I believe you are wrong.

  37. Everyone has their own subjective opinion about what being world-class is and if that is how u measure being world-class, so be it. I already stated my criteria and he doesn't fit in it. Neither does C. Ronaldo.

    You don't have to be the best footballer or played the most football at high levels to have adequate football knowledge (just ask Arsene Wenger) and I think it is irrelevant to publish one's footballing achievements if that is the case. In case you are wondering, I've had my fair share of competitive football and possess a coaching license from my FA so I know where you are coming from. No need for specifics since I feel those are irrelevant.

    So in essence your criteria for being world-class would see Rooney and Ronaldo qualifying while mine won't.

  38. Haha then it was a bad time for Rooney to score another goal in Europe today!!! Hey, Melvin???

    And you couldn't call it a "fluke" because it was almost identical to his goal against Milan in last season's semis.

  39. I just stated that I have played the game at a high level but have still never dreamt of playing against a player of such talents.

    And anyway it's important to give your readers the back ground on your knowledge of subjects that your writing about, especially if your writing your own opinion on that subject.

  40. I think your criteria is just as subjective as the rest of ours, Melvin. I believe that displaying the trophies and being able to boast the important goals or the plays goes beyond being world-class. I believe being a world-class footballer simply comes down to natural ability. If that is the case, then Roo is world class. I can also understand why Ronaldo wasn't on Fergie list, even though Ron was one of the biggest reasons for the trophy being returned to Old Trafford back in May.

  41. He brought it on, just like I implored him to in my article, or risk being labelled an overrated underperformer.

  42. Haha Melvin, I beg to differ. He didn't do it because you implored him to, he did it because the rest of us always knew he could!

  43. well not in the past 10 games he didn't..and that makes it 8 goals in 29 appearances against big teams, doesn't look like a good statistic to me when you need around 270 minutes or more to score one, against such teams.

  44. you are an idiot

  45. I think we should leave this one here and move on. I don't think there is going to be a compromise from either camp.

  46. I seriously dun think its idiocy to disagree on something contentious..everyone has their own opinion, just read and weigh them against your own, that is what a discussion is all about

  47. Thanks for clearing that up for me, Melvin. You've actually clarified something that assures my faith in Rooney. 8 goals in 29 appearances against the 'big teams' by your own opinion means that he scores in every third game against a big team, and sometimes he'll go four.

    ...So what? That return is fine. Look at Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cantona, and many more who I'm failing to think of right now, all of them have had spells like it. And so what if Rooney scores his 23 GOALS against teams that aren't giants. Rooney's still contributed the exact same amount to the team than if he'd scored those goals against big teams.

    I don't think you're giving enough respect to football as a whole. You're looking at the highlights of players careers, Keano or Schmikes, for instance, instead of respecting their careers as a whole. Go back to the days in which our beloved past greats were actually playing and I can guarantee you that you'll find that most of our legends had at least 1 or 2 plain, average seasons with small flashes of brilliance here and there.

    You're expecting to look at Wayne Rooney and see a past of legendary feats when the lad is still only in the early stages of his career. If he's labeled world class by anybody these days, it's because he has magical potential and influence, regardless of what you'll see in your statistics databases or your highlight reel.

    The people who actually care to catch all the good that Rooney does even when he's not scoring will call him a world class individual.

  48. Thanks for clearing that up for me, Melvin. You've actually clarified something that assures my faith in Rooney. 8 goals in 29 appearances against the 'big teams' by your own opinion means that he scores in every third game against a big team, and sometimes he'll go four.

    ...So what? That return is fine. Look at Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cantona, and many more who I'm failing to think of right now, all of them have had spells like it. And so what if Rooney scores his 23 GOALS against teams that aren't giants. Rooney's still contributed the exact same amount to the team than if he'd scored those goals against big teams.

    I don't think you're giving enough respect to football as a whole. You're looking at the highlights of players careers, Keano or Schmikes, for instance, instead of respecting their careers as a whole. Go back to the days in which our beloved past greats were actually playing and I can guarantee you that you'll find that most of our legends had at least 1 or 2 plain, average seasons with small flashes of brilliance here and there.

    You're expecting to look at Wayne Rooney and see a past of legendary feats when the lad is still only in the early stages of his career. If he's labeled world class by anybody these days, it's because he has magical potential and influence, regardless of what you'll see in your statistics databases or your highlight reel.

    The people who actually care to catch all the good that Rooney does even when he's not scoring will call him a world class individual.

  49. Honestly I find no point arguing with you since you are not addressing my main issue which has been reiterated time and time again - I take issue with his recent ineffectual form and him being labelled world-class, not with his potential to be one nor his abilities for that matter since he has shown flashes of what he capable of.

    We are just couch commentators, take it from the professionals who have never found him good enough in even coming close for any international recognition in terms of player awards. I think that says more than what you and I will ever have to say.

  50. melvin, you are fuck stupid, so don't quit your day job

  51. It is weird that Melvin gets +ve responses to his opinions on Rooney on his blog and gets flamed here.
    I guess this is an issue of eurocentric biasness on the part of the audiences here

  52. Waah Waah Fu*king Waah. How much more whinging and bi*ching do we have to hear from Rooney lovers? If you put as much effort into ANYTHING as you do posting whiny, girly tirades because someone shared their opinion, you might actually have enough energy and brain power to write your own articles. Build a bridge and GET OVER IT, you bunch of know-it-all wankers! Comprende?

  53. shutup, sounds like you're the one who needed to whine

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