is a phenomenal player. No if’s, and’s, or but’s, about it. People say he lacks fitness and is in his twilight days, but they couldn’t be farther from the truth. Wayne Rooney has been forced to give up his preferred role as the spear head of United’s attack force and play a supplementary role to RVP. He’s playing as an CAM or LW which aren’t where he thrives, but still doing an efficient job there. He has crisp passes and crosses and has become a true defensive threat when he tracks back. But because he’s only scored 14 goals he’s a “shadow of his former self”. 2 seasons ago when he put in a 30+ goal performance he was the focus of the attack, naturally he’ll be scoring more and performing “better”, as a striker or center forward you’re defined by your goal tally (which is why I’ll never understand SAF’s or the general public’s fascination with Welbeck). But what we need to do is view Rooney as a midfielder now. An attack midfielder. He facilitates wonderfully and links well with other attacking players. Sure his link play with Van Persie could be better, but it’s their first season together. Remember how Rooney had to play with Ronaldo, he played a more passive role then, yet still put in good performances. His partnership with Ronaldo was deadly, and so are the glimpses of his work with RVP, give it another season, and they’ll be just as lethal if not more so.

Then there’s the issue of fitness. Yea Rooney came back in the summer a little out of shape, but since his return from his knee injury, Rooney’s been in great fitness. SAF’s keeping Rooney out of the starting XI against Real Madrid because of “fitness reasons” is complete bullshit. He was amazing against Norwich. He played unselfishly, created plenty of opportunities, and even had a clinical finish resulting in the 4th goal of the match. SAF even admits that the more consecutive games that Rooney plays the more consistent his form is. Coming off a great surge or form the past couple of games, it’s mind-boggling that SAF would play Welbeck over him. The kid is a good talent, no doubt about it. He’s fast, has pace, and has a little Chicharito in him whereas he appears where you least expect him. But he lacks the confidence and finishing ability of Rooney, Chicharito, Kagawa, and obviously RVP. Welbeck could become a great super sub, and despite his good game against Madrid, I still get very worried when I see his name on the starting XI list. He’s young yet and has plenty of time.

One should notice how the momentum changed when Rooney came on the pitch. I’ve read some stories that Rooney underperformed upon his substitution, but anybody who watched the game could see how much more attacking minded our side became from his inclusion. Despite being a man down, we started pushing back and putting Diego Lopez through his paces. For all the shit talk people throw at Rooney, he’s still a very viable threat, imposing fear in opposing players and pushing through creating chances. Messi even claims that he wants to play against the best and counts Rooney among that lot.

Something I noticed is that (while not as brilliantly efficient as Carrick in passing) his new style of play is quasi reminiscent of Scholes. He can facilitate and set up chances, as well as be an attacking threat. Rocketing in shots when needed.

Rooney has been severely underrated this season, shockingly so. He delivers good performances when given long spells of gameplay and is still the first thought opposing teams think of when they discuss how best to approach United.

If you haven’t noticed, I’m a huge Rooney fan. He’s my favorite footballer. I hate to say it, but I could see Rooney as the new Becks and leave after this season after this new issue with Fergie. Ferguson did the same thing to Beckham in 2003 against Real Madrid, benched him then substituted late on. Beckham subsequently left at the end of that season and joined another huge team, ironically enough Real Madrid.

I’d hate to see him leave, but I could see Rooney playing at Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Barcelona, or PSG if things fall through. These teams can afford him, and he could fit well into those systems. (Imagine Rooney linking with LIONEL MESSI. THAT WOULD BE THE DEAEDLIEST ATTACKING FORCE IN EUROPE) Another team I could see him play successfully at is becoming the main striker at Chelsea. Having Oscar/Mata playing behind him, with Ba or Hazard on either wing, Chelsea would finally make up for the terrible form of Torres. And i’d hate to see him leave united, especially for another premier league club, but Rooney can be successful anywhere, and SAF needs to realize this before it’s too late.

but how will United’s starting XI look for this coming season.

I personally love the acquisition of RVP for United. Drama aside, look at the stats; Rooney and RVP were the top two goal scorers last season, having a player like that can only help. He’s 29, big deal. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are well into their thirties (admittedly different types of players than RVP) and they still do well. I think that RVP has enough quality to do well for a minimum of 3 seasons if he decides to stay with United after this season.

With that being said, what does this mean for Chicharito and Welbeck? Honestly Chicharito has been really on-and-off lately, especially since his debut season. He’ll get plenty of playing time this season, either coming off the bench or starting when RVP doesn’t. As for Welbz, he’s young yet, and has a long career ahead of him.

So here’s my predicted starting XI for Man. Utd

De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia (RW) Carrick (CM) Kagawa (CAM), Young (LW), Rooney, RVP

The thought of Kagawa linking up with Rooney AND RVP makes me think of all the wonderful offensive opportunities that could happen

than a woman who likes, plays, or understands soccer.

of the Manchester United game?

I love coaching my kids but after an entire summer of coaching, It felt great to step onto the pitch and play for a change. It took me awhile to get into the game, but once I did, I felt like an entirely different person.

I was playing. At my full capacity, no taking it easy for the sake of my kids. Everybody at practice had to be where I was or they were going to be left in the dust. The adrenaline rush I get when I play well on the field is only comparable to the rush that I get from performing on stage.

God damn do I love soccer.