Why Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney Can Drive Manchester United to Silverware

In Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, Manchester United have two of the world’s best players. If United are to win any silverware this season, the goals, assists and general attacking potency of the duo will be instrumental.

Van Persie and Rooney are arguably the best striking partnership in world football right now, although Liverpool fans may have something to say about that with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in fine form.

Following a stuttering start to the season, though, it seems fair to reassess United’s chances of winning some silverware as we head into the busy winter schedule.

Here’s why Van Persie and Rooney can drive the charge for trophies under David Moyes:


Goals Win Games

Other than perhaps the aforementioned Liverpool pair of Suarez and Sturridge, Van Persie and Rooney are football’s most dangerous strike force.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic certainly has his own unique view on that debate: 

SAS have 16 goals from 11 Premier League games, while Van Persie and Rooney have 12. And with only three points separating the sides, it’s eminently clear that goals win games.

But, in United’s case, the goals of Van Persie and Rooney are incredibly important because the team lacks goalscoring midfielders. Contrast United with Manchester City and Chelsea, who are able to rely on goals from all over the pitch. United just don’t have that.

What they do have, however, is the two leading Premier League goalscorers over the last five years. As stats go, this one from WhoScored.com is a belter: 

If United do win some silverware this season, remember that statistic. Goals win games, yes, and United have two of the best in the business.


Talismanic Effect

While most teams would consider themselves fortunate to boast one talisman, Manchester United essentially have two.

What’s more, Moyes seems to have unlocked an extra creative edge from the pair, a view shared by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown:

At different times this season, Van Persie and Rooney have dragged United over the line in certain games. Van Persie’s brace against Swansea got United off to a flying start and Rooney’s been the team’s standout player from there on.

The value of the two players is best illustrated through their absence, though.

Think back to the Liverpool game, where Rooney was out injured and United looked meek in attack. They missed their talisman. Now think back to the Manchester derby, where Van Persie was out injured, and United looked meek in attack. They missed their talisman.

The point is this: Van Persie and Rooney’s contributions are all too easy to highlight, it’s in their absence that we really begin to see the difference they make on the team. That is why, over the course of the season, Moyes needs the duo fit and playing together on a weekly basis in order to challenge for silverware.


Leading the Line

Much has been said, and written, of Van Persie and Rooney’s partnership since the Dutchman signed last year.

The pair have looked good on many different occasions together, just not consistently enough for some.

For United to retain their Premier League title or—if we allow ourselves to get carried away for just one moment—win a surprise Champions League trophy, the duo must strike up a formidable partnership. There are signs that such a partnership is not too far away—we just need to see it materialise now.

It was following United’s terrific win over Arsenal that Moyes lauded the duo, per the BBC:

"

Great players score great goals in big games and Robin's a great player. His sidekick [Rooney] played great as well. The two of them were fantastic. The big players are coming up when needed and Robin and Wayne gave two big performances. I thought the way Wayne and Robin played merited their title as top players.

"

When the pair really hit top form, United will be scoring goals for fun. If the defence remains as resolute as it has done over the last month or so, then Van Persie and Rooney can lead United to glory this season.


Looking Ahead

Fortunately for Man United, trophies aren’t won in October or November. Take note, Arsenal fans.

Still challenging in all four major competitions—they haven’t featured in the FA Cup yet—is all that matters at this stage. Van Persie and Rooney have ensured as much. What they do from here on in will be crucial, however.

Both players are in the peak years of their careers, at a time where they can really make a name for themselves. Sure, both players would go down as greats if they retired tomorrow, but this season they have a chance to rubber-stamp their names in Manchester United folklore.

If David Moyes is to win a trophy in his first season, Van Persie and Rooney will be at the heart of it.