When Won't/Will Chicharito/Wayne Rooney Score Next? + 2010 Outlook

When he was first bought by United, few anywhere in the world knew who the kid was. I feel good because I had a small clue before the bargain deal. I have a Mexican friend who of course, cheers for FC Barcelona. But he is in touch with his more direct heritage and their league.

He’s the only person I know who knew who Martín Palermo was when the old man was added by Maradona.

His soccer knowledge is as vast as anyone’s I know (at least in America); particularly with the lesser leagues that no one seems to pay attention to these days. Living in California, I’m sure I get more Mexican news than most other states. I watch the national games. If there’s a reason to, I watch Chivas (Guadalajara not that crap in Carson, CA.) if I’m surfing and they’re on.

I had reason after I’d read and seen highlights of the young man who was scoring on an extreme tear in early 2010.

I searched as best I could for repeats of his goals online and tried to find his name. I never officially confirmed, but I had a good idea, and had certainly been introduced to the boy. A month or so later, Manchester had signed a young Mexican starlet. From Chivas. I asked my friend and he confirmed that it was Javier Hernandez.

Last season, Wayne Rooney was the best club player in the world. It is indisputable to people with brains.

He did the most with the least.

No one can argue Chelsea should have won. No one can argue that typical Germans legitimately got Rafael sent off in the Champions League quarterfinal. Was he stupid for fouling on a yellow? Yes of course, but referees who are conned and influenced by players are even dumber and it’s a pathetic part of the beautiful game that should be given a new description today.

That’s like trying to say that Sergio Busquets is brilliant and not a (expletive deleted) for doing what he did to Thiago Motta and Inter in the semi-final. He, Barca, and Bayern both lost the trophy.

I agree with Charles Barkley that superstition is stupid but karma could have had a role including the excellent diving and complaining of Arjen Robben. Simply, I feel bad for neither player or team and that United could have had a sensational season last term, when they were quite clearly not supposed to heading in.

They lost the Premier title on the last day by a single point. They should have made the Champions League Final.

I credit Internazionale as champs but I feel they vs. United would have shown the true champion. United were hard done it. They should have defended Olić better at the end of the first half and not been complacent. Rafael showed immaturity as did the referee. And Rio Ferdinand, who quite predictably got beat and almost single-handedly let in the weak shot that became a goal then bitched and moaned at his own teammates since he was the one who got turned inside out and embarrassed.

Well done, Rio. Please leave and do the United faithful a favour for once thank you.

Anyhow, Rooney was just awesome. He scored 26 goals in 32 Premier League matches. Five times in six Champions League appearances, and won the Carling Cup as a sub after heading Manchester United into the Final past second bitter rivals City, then executing the ugliest yet sexiest somersault I’ve ever seen.

All his goals were vastly important. Manchester went into the season expected to maybe finish third. People easily forget that Liverpool were the odds-on favourites at the beginning.

Chelsea may also have been expected to be in front of United, but I forget.

United started terribly.

I recall watching the Burnley match on my tiny computer screen and thinking it was going to be a long season and I continued to think of how anyone could sell in my mind, a priceless Cristiano Ronaldo.

A month later, City almost beat United at Old Trafford in what became the game of the entire Premier League 09-10 season. Again, Rio Ferdinand would have been the culprit and he surely looked elsewhere for blame.

I cannot stand the guy. Just get on, please.

Manchester continued to struggle and find their form. Antonio Valencia became a real find as the season progressed and Rooney thanked and credited him with much of his success.

He is not Ronaldo. He’ll never be as good. But for the team he plays for, he may be a better fit. I’ve said it before and I always will. With what he brought and will continue to, and his superior mental attitude towards the team in comparison to Cristiano, he is better for United.

Rooney went on a tear. He put four past AC Milan as United won 7-2 on aggregate. He scored in the opening minutes at Bayern. If not for Evra’s terrible blunder, United leave tied 1-1. He was injured in that game, and made incredible comebacks to even get into squads; not to mention play at any point after that early spring match.

He showed extreme passion, some ruthlessness towards himself but extreme care for the team, and tenacity. He persisted and knew the team’s best option was for a hurt Wayne to play over a fully fit Berbatov or anyone else up top.

Last thing about their season: United were actually more impressive in Europe than they were domestically. They retained the Carling Cup which isn’t huge but it is a trophy. They battled more injury than any other top team. They relied more on one player than any team in the world. And Ferguson remained content that he was fine with the squad.

Whether he had the funds or not, he did not spend and he was right. And he looks to stay correct this year with some “minimal” squad boosting that may prove much more. Never question the man.

If you want, go back and look at the first five of their six matches in December ‘09. The only healthy regular defensive back was Patrice Evra. They had anyone and everyone from Michael Carrick to Paul Sholes to Darren Fletcher playing defence. And central defence at that! They filled the midfield with the others such as Anderson, Giggs, Gibson, Park, etc.

They obviously did not fare well over this spell.

If anyone wants to dispute my claim please feel free, but I think it’s a huge deal when Vidić is in constant negotiation keeping him from playing. Also when Wes Brown is constantly injured regardless of the season, and O’Shea was already out for the year. Rio was odd all season, in and out constantly and out during the winter period. Jonny Evans was out too at the time. Chris Smalling had not been bought yet. No Ricardo Carvalho and two thirds of the rest of your backline sleeping with other women and being given considerate leaves?

Cry me a river, Chelsea, that’s all avoidable.

Seriously, it is irrefutable that United did the most with the least last season in the entire continent. And one man was the center of it all.

Aside from Diego Milito for scoring both goals in the Final and Wesley Sneijder for being the centerpiece of that team, Wayne Rooney was almost unarguably the best player and leader going into the Cup for FIFA World Player of the Year.

As I’m sure you all know, Wayne has not scored since that fateful day at old Trafford when Rafael made the biggest mistake of his life and Wayne was limping after only five minutes. All Javier has done since then has been score.

Coincidentally, that was the first game Chicharito saw in person at old Trafford.

Afterward, he said the atmosphere was incredible and described himself as a forward and player who loves everything that goes with the game. He expressed that he is ambitious and wants to win. And that he likes to enjoy himself. I’d say he seemed perfect for the Red Devils.

But barely anybody knew of him.

I did. I knew he had 11 goals in 10 matches before joining the Mexican camp. Their league let the World Cup players leave their clubs and prepare for South Africa months ahead of many of the rest of the participating countries. When I learned it was in fact the Chivas player I had been hearing and reading about over here close to home, I became excited.

I quickly saw he had real good feel for the game. His instincts were good. He seemed somewhat of a poacher but also had some class. He could have some fantastic goals in addition to just cleaning up the garbage. He can leap quite high and head the ball really well, too. He can hit it with his left as well in addition to his preferred right. He was complete. But very young. The foundation for potential greatness was there.

In South Africa, the World got a glimpse. He scored twice. Once against France and the other against Argentina. The goal vs. the French was nice. He stayed onside then advanced behind the defence and controlled; showed extreme composure and so calmly juked the goalie and simply put it between the posts.

His strike against La Albiceleste was great. He took it in a nice spin and fired it past the keeper who had no chance and knew it. He didn’t even try to block it. Chichairto hit it with his “weaker” foot.

It was the only bright spot for Mexico in the match. Maybe Messi took notes.

We all know how Wayne and England performed last summer. Truth be told, they would probably have gone on to beat Germany after a gorgeous tying goal by Super Frank then trounce the weak-defending Argentina side, which I said would break down to any mediocre offense (which England have) before being outclassed by the eventual winners.

However, I have two fantastic stats that no one seems to pay attention to since they are so blindingly foolish. Wayne finished the tournament as the most fouled player. He only played four of a possible seven games. Yes, he (and England) should have done a lot better.

I recall two clear chances he should have scored. Maybe he should have had a few World Cup goals, I don’t know.

Chicharito had two goals for a disregarded side with only one start in four matches. Lionel Messi finished the tourney with the most shots yet only played five of seven games and an incredible get this: ZERO goals. He still hasn’t scored in this World Cup 2010.

He is that underrated by some idiots like me. He’s just so good. I mean, I wish I could score zero goals. Oh wait, I did.

This summer, Chicharito and Wayne have both continued their fine form.

Of course, Javier’s is so and Rooney’s isn’t. Rooney did not score this summer in any preseason friendlies.

He did not score against Chelsea in the Community Shield. Hernandez scored in the Cup and multiple friendlies. He scored against the MLS All-Stars, the League of Ireland XI. He even scored against United in an exhibition pitting his new team against his former. He played the first half as his last in Chivas colours. He scored from distance. Only a real baller could play for United and score on them. As a sub, he hit a ball off his own face in the Charity Shield to give United a 2-0 lead and seemingly cement the win.

He celebrated by stretching out his arms and running to the corner to greet fans. He kissed the badge, then embraced his new buddies, telling them he hit it off his nose and kisser while laughing at himself. It was his first match in front of real local United fans.

The kid just keeps scoring. And he is constantly smiling. He is so well-liked and he’s doing everything correctly. He is clearly enjoying himself like he said he would when he arrived in March. And this is all before his real tenure begins.

His post MLS match interview was a perfect example. He is still a little nervous talking on camera and was doing his best to get it done quickly. His English is getting better which is good. He thanked his teammate for a fine pass (Fletch), and was very genuinely kind and thankful again to Sir Alex for finding and acquiring him. He thanked the fans (who are mostly international supporters at the time) and their very warm reception of him so far.

But it is because of him. He has brought all this praise upon himself.

I am not suggesting they wouldn’t take to other transfers like they have Hernandez, or that they will abandon him if he takes a while to score in the league, but that he has been phenomenal. It goes hand in hand, obviously.

The good play then recognition from the fans. I think I’m just trying to say that he is special. And while it seems he has been overrated early on or that there may be too much attention on him too soon, it’s all valid. He has proven the great start and purchase; now he must do so in real matches. I expect him to. And he absolutely deserves everything he gets.

This season, I think United find themselves at the top from the start.

Chelsea are champions and until someone beats them, they are that. But I feel United will deal with all that comes in a season, every year: injuries, transfers, gossip, and dressing room unrest, potential crises etc.

Chelsea lost one of my favourite Blues in Joe Cole. Ballack never played so that was an OK “loss.” They never acquired Sergio Agüero from Atlético Madrid. They just lost Carvalho (which I don’t think is major) and have anything but great defenders in the back. They are aging as a whole. Their kids are almost completely unproven, unlike a certain other London club (Gunners), and the guys who want their trophy back—Manchester United.

I feel United will deal with everything best. That is why I pick them.

In addition to that thought, Chelsea will focus more on Europe. I have Arsenal second to United with Everton rounding out the top four. Aston Villa looked most likely to me to break into the Champions League places and even before Martin O’Neill left, I just preferred Everton.

Their combination of kids, a great American keeper, a high Tim Cahill after a decently successful Australian summer; and a healthy Mikel Arteta turned me onto them. Tottenham are the fourth best team. But they will never get anywhere unless they go for it. Which they must do in Europe this one season. Thereby their domestic stance will falter a little. As with Chelsea. Arsenal are getting there. They will probably be favourites to win the league for 11-12.

United were better in Europe last season than they were in England. They defended like crap but scored tons of goals. If they simply don’t make mental errors and defend like amateurs, stay concentrated a full 90, they can win the Champions League. They are good at going for both trophies in the same season. I don’t think fatigue is an issue. Only injury can become an issue with this team. But that’s the case for all teams in any sport.

Finally, Manchester’s depth sets them apart.

I went into the WC thinking that they needed a striker but were fine in the midfield. I have reconsidered my position and I now think they could use (but don’t absolutely need) a central midfielder. For their style, I think they are set at wingers/left and right mids. Of all the teams in the world, for however any team plays, Manchester United has the best wingers for what they do. Valencia, Nani, Park, and Obertan are more than enough creation and pace. Especially when you consider Giggs can go all-out on the left or anywhere inside as well.

No team has the strike depth as United now.

I am a firm believer in Dimitar Berbatov. Nothing angers me more than people who call him lackadaisical and uncaring. If he is so bad, don’t you think he’d be unhappy and, I don’t know, let the manager or someone, anyone, know he wanted to leave to somewhere else? So many pundits, critics, and fans are so foolish.

One week you all say he is lazy. The next week you’re praising his skill and class with his superb deft touches. It’s incredibly annoying to hear and see week in and week out. He is a joy to watch. His heart is in the right place, and he is more determined than ever (regardless of what all you geniuses say) to win this season. Not just scoring goals. But contribute and win silverware.

Apparently summer friendlies do count for something because Ferguson has already loaned Danny Welbeck out for the full year. Some players are impact subs off the bench and not the best starters. For example, Michael Owen in the present. Federicho Macheda and Welbeck as well. Berbatov, Hernandez, and Rooney are the only consistent starters I could see myself choosing in greatly important PL matches and CL quarters and beyond.

I would prefer Macheda to Owen in some starting scenarios, but basically I am saying that they have extreme depth. Macheda can come on and get a goal against any team. Perhaps Owen, too.

Chiharito, I feel can be both an impact sub and good starter. He should begin under Berbatov but I expect him to push past him as the season progresses. Wayne can sub on and score but he’ll never start on the bench. The depth of pure goal-scoring on this team in substantial.

They have the right amount of forwards on the bench to come in and get a necessary goal if the starting XI ever fail to do so. They have great strikers at the top in the three I mentioned. The reserve strikers can fill in and start in domestic tournament Cup fixtures and group-stage European matches. The usual starters, if needed, can come on and get the goal to tie or win an overlooked match in a converse scenario.

The central midfield is absolutely stacked.

More so than in the final third. The defense is the same but when healthy, arguably the deepest in the world. I think Vidić is the world’s best. He does need help. Rio, Jonny, and Chris Smalling are good but not great by themselves. However, together they are quite deep. I have yet to mention O’Shea and Brown.

Van der Sar is going to play with Sholes and Giggs into their 50s and they all look better than they did in the previous season.

The basic question of this piece was when will Chicharito finally be off target, and when will Wayne first find his stroke again? Chances are both will occur today in their season opener versus Newcastle. That’s just how it goes in sport. They are predictably unpredictable therefore it’d make sense if both happened.

We all know what Wayne has done versus the Magpies. We’ve all been introduced to the promise of the young Mexican.

United need to get off to a far better start than they did a year ago. With the depth of their squad and the fortune of health, I can see them winning two (at least the BPL) major trophies.

Say Wayne provides 20 goals, Berbatov 15, and Chicharito about 10-15; they will be well on their way. Rooney will be as reliable but more fit and to form because he’ll be needed less. They will not be almost entirely reliant on him. I can confidently predict that Chicharito will lead United in scoring at least one season by Brazil 2014. He will probably outscore Berbatov this season, which makes Berbatov a dark horse to reach the 20-25 mark that he’s entirely capable of as a potential third option with far less pressure on his shoulders.

But first things first: United must beat Newcastle at home today and kick-off their season the right way with a response to Chelsea in what may become a truly successful campaign.

The potential is there. It’s all I’ve talked about. Now they have to go one and do it. I am extremely confident it will be a glorious year with much success and champagne spraying for the Red Devils. BPL Champions at the very least.

Go on men! (And one special little Mexican boy)