Is Manchester United striker really past his best?
by stresster on July 21st, 2008
| 231 words |
The Red Devils landed the Premier League and Champions League last season, and the star of the show was undoubtedly Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward often overshadowed his team-mates in terms of goals scored and created, including a certain England striker who certainly wasn’t on top form for Manchester United last season.
Indeed, although Pele has been renowned for making ill-informed comments for many years, the Brazilian legend might have a point when he claims that Wayne Rooney hasn’t hit the heights of Euro 2004 again. There’s no doubt that he’s still a class act, although how many matches did he really stand out in last season? The Daily Mirror reports that Wayne should curb his enthusiasm if he is to realise greatness.
“I like Wayne Rooney, but he hasn’t reached the peak of Euro 2004 again,” said Pele. “He had two or three very good years and then lost a little bit in his performances. I don’t know why.
“When he’s tangling with opponents, Rooney has to learn how to defend himself - not attack the opponent.”
Many might be questioning whether Rooney still has the same appetite for the game, especially as he has now become an A-list celebrity, with his stag do, wedding and honeymoon pictures slapped all over the place. Does the young striker need to prove himself at Old Trafford this season, cutting out the yellow cards in the process?
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Tagged Under: Manchester United, pele, wayne rooney
Mick - July 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Rooney has become a better all round player over the last couple of years but he has lost pace and never beats a man like he used to. On top of that he still cant head a ball with conviction and i think he needs to work on his shooting, especially from distance.
When was the last time Rooney scored a goal like the one against arsenal with everton, or the one against newcastle? His first touch has ‘wayned’ too!
Rooney will be playing in midfield within the next 3 years! He’s like gazza in that respect. Rooney will replace scholes in the team. He can pass, tackle and has strength, creativity, aggression and bravery… key attritutes in a central midfielder!
Has anyone noticed that ‘flair players’ never really shine at manchester utd with the exception of Ronaldo, though only because he’s a selfish self-centred, pr**k and wouldnt listen to Fergie anyway???????
Fergie kills the spark! Look at Anderson? He played on the left wing and in the ronaldinho role at his last club but now he’s turning into a defensive midfielder????
Seba veron was the same. He was played as an alonso-esque holding midfielder when he was an attacking midfielder before he came!
Where does scholes play? Is it me or does carrick play further back than he did with tottenham?( A hoddle style player?) The list goes on…
Fergie has always preferred a defensive 442 formation with a more creative player along side a ball winner. The containing defensive style draws the creative players back so deep that their knackered when they have to get forward at speed.
My point is that rooney drops off so deep at times thats he’s winning the ball at rightback! Thats no problem with kugt type player who has no skill anyway but not with the biggest English talent since gazza!
Rooney hasnt shined for so long because Fergie is asking him to do what scholes should be doing and had been doing before his legs went! It was the same when Keano was around on his last legs.
Scholes will have to be an impact player this season with the fresh legs of anderson driving the team forward. That way Rooney will stay where he needs to be and become more productive. He’ll also have more energy when he does have to chase a through ball….
Feel free to disagree…