Wayne Rooney Can Win Back the Manchester United Fans

If David Moyes is true to his word and Wayne Rooney stays at Manchester United this season, the England striker can at least console himself with one thing—there is always a way back.

With two years left on his contract and United adamant they won't sell to Chelsea, a serious challenger for the Premier League title, each passing day makes it more likely that Rooney will play his football at Old Trafford this season.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will still hope United buckle and sell, not wanting to keep an unhappy player who could disrupt the dressing room. But the fact that Chelsea are turning their attention to Samuel Eto'o is evidence that perhaps they are beginning to take Moyes seriously. 

But pulling on a red shirt again shouldn't fill Rooney with dread. It's not too late for a reconciliation with the club and the fans. It's never too late.

After playing 67 minutes for England against Scotland on Wednesday, Rooney is set to face United's traveling support for the first time at Swansea on Saturday.

There will likely to rumblings in the car or on the train to Wales, maybe even the odd scattered boo when his name is read out over the loudspeaker. 

But if it's 0-0 with a minute to play and Rooney pops up with the winner, don't expect there to be silence. In fact, the air above the Liberty Stadium will be filled with "I saw my mate the other day, he said to me I've seen the white Pele." You know the rest.

Coincidentally, Rooney could face the Old Trafford crowd for the first time when Chelsea visit on August 26. Again, the sprinkling of boos at the start will soon disappear if he scores the winner. 

Whether he's steadfast in his desire to leave or not, Rooney has at least kept his counsel this summer and his route back has been made easier without the Luis Suarez-like public declarations.

Rooney went public with his desire to leave in 2010, amid stories of interest from City.

And while supporters were rightly aggrieved to hear one of their stars wanted to go, there was no booing after he scored in the Champions League final that same season. 

On Rooney's side is also his work ethic. 

If he's picked on Saturday he'll run around with just as much vigour as he did at Wembley on Wednesday. Fans demand that players at the very least work hard and Rooney can never be accused of not trying, whether things are going his way or not.

United fans won't forget that Rooney tried to leave in 2010 and that he almost went to Chelsea in 2013. But they'll soon forgive him if he repays his debt in goals.