How To Solve A Problem Like Wayne Rooney

Throughout his career Wayne Rooney has captured the imagination of the nation. The young man from Everton was thrust into the limelight at an early age as the country fell in love for their new footballing hero. However, his career has been no fairy-tale. His relationship with the media has broken down on numerous occasions with his personal life taking certain stage over his footballing endeavours. Fluctuating form and angry outbursts have always troubled the star with many critics too quick to criticise. He’s currently experiencing another dip in his form and questions are once again being asked about his ability to play as a striker. So I ask, how do you solve a problem like Wayne Rooney?

In a season where he has broken the national goal scoring record, it’s hard to believe that people are still questioning his striking ability. Yes, Manchester United are struggling to score goals but can you remember Rooney missing loads of chances? I Can’t.

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-U SA TODAY Sports /

They are simply not creating enough chances and that can’t all be down to the captain. The team is simply struggling with a new system and seem scared to take risks on the pitch. This has led to a pedestrian style of play with possession being played in front of the opposition defence. This is certainly not Rooney’s fault. Many criticise his tendency to drift back in midfield, leaving the forward position vacated but this is just another string to Rooney’s bow. He’s quite clearly being frustrated by lack of service and is drifting back to drag his team forward. Wayne is almost as good at creating as he is finishing.

The arrival of Martial saw many people mark the end of Rooney’s dominance at United. They saw a young, super talented, super quick striker arrive who would threaten Rooney’s monopoly at Old Trafford. Admittedly, one day Rooney will relinquish his crown to the likes of Martial but not quite yet. United need Rooney this season, that much is clear. With the team struggling for a sense of identity, Rooney is one of the last of the old guard so keeping him is vital. The club has been successful due to consistency and Van Gaal must do his best to continue such a trend.

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The notion that Rooney can no longer provide the goals needed for United is simply wrong. Who broke United’s recent goal drought after all? Wayne Rooney of course. He may have lost a yard of pace but his finishing ability can never be doubted. His strength and passion for the game has never dwindled and the fire is still burning strong in this Red Devil.

Manchester United Captain Wayne Rooney is the answer to Van Gaal’s striker problem. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

United now face West Brom this Saturday as they come off an important Champions League win in mid-week. Where Rooney will play will be hot topic but I would like to see him keep his place. The game on Tuesday showed that Rooney and Martial are desperate to pay up-front together and I don’t think West Brom could cope with that combination of pace, power and experience. United may not be the finished article but they are still well placed in the league and as you know, anything can happen in football. A world-class player like Rooney can produce a piece of magic from nothing and win 3 points for his team all by himself.

Rooney is a victim of his own success, setting astronomical standards that can’t always be lived up to. Give Rooney time and he will be back to his old self in no time. He always has a dip in form every season so there is no need to be alarmed. His majestic form is right around the corner so be patient United fans and you’ll soon reap the rewards.

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