Manchester United: Why Wayne Rooney Is the Key to a Title Resurgence

After experiencing a dismal start to the season, Manchester United currently occupy a very unfamiliar place in the Premier League table. With just 20 points to their name, David Moyes’ side sit in fifth place.  

However, the team’s early season critics may soon be forced to eat their words. Having finally found some momentum, the Red Devils have taken three points in three straight Premier League fixtures, including a recent 1-0 win over current league leaders Arsenal. A resurgence now seems more than likely, as United are now just five points adrift of their North London rivals.

Wayne Rooney has been superb for the club so far this term, and he will be vital in any success this campaign. Remarkably, in just three months the Englishman has managed to recover his fantastic reputation at Old Trafford, after falling out with Alex Ferguson before his shock retirement.    

Towards the end of last season, the Scot revealed that the centre forward had submitted a transfer request and the following summer window resulted in a huge rift between club and player.

Moyes’ arrival was made considerably more challenging as he was forced to deal with United’s star man, who seemed intent on forcing a move away from the side who have nurtured him since 18 years of age.

Despite this, Rooney’s performances this season have been mesmerising, and he has quickly regained his fan-favourite status. Having made 13 appearances, he has scored seven goals whilst accumulating a number of man-of-the-match performances.

The often frustrated figure of last season seems to have disappeared this time round, and if he was dissatisfied playing second fiddle to Van Persie last season, this is certainly no longer the case.

This 2013/14 campaign has seen a huge turnaround for the 28-year-old and his performance versus Arsenal epitomises his form so far. RVP may have scored the winner against the Gunners last weekend, but Rooney created it and was eventually named man of the match.

The 28-year-old gave an all-action display, working his socks off in attack and often helping out in defence, as his team claimed what could be a crucial win in the title race.

Rooney’s phenomenal work rate and mentality throughout the fixture is hard to express in statistics but the fact that the centre forward managed to run a total of 11.1 km in 90 minutes is enough to illustrate how much the match meant to him and how much he wanted to win all three points (Stats provided by http://eplindex.com.)

He has not just inspired his team with goals, but the manner in how he plays the game as well. The former-Everton ace will always give 100 percent on the pitch and that often lifts his team-mates.

"We always believe. We believe we can go on and win the league," he said. "We have been in this position before and gone on to win titles. We are hitting form at the right time." (Quotes taken from BBC Sport)

To be perfectly honest, Rooney has single-handedly dragged Manchester United back up the Premier League table, and they have a good chance of competing for the title, if his brilliant performances remain.

Rooney has been United’s stand-out player this season and he will be the key man if the club wish to win the Premier League title. The phrase ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ has never been more relevant in this circumstance and Manchester United fans should certainly remain optimistic if the English striker’s delightful form continues.