Comparing two contrasting nights for Wayne Rooney at the Vetlins Arena
The last time when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984
in the 2006 World Cup but last night the emotion could not have been any more contrasting.
On that fateful day, Rooney was the barrel of misfiring cannon that was blamed for the humiliating loss but last night he was the mesmerizing link between United’s midfield and the attack that ran the Schalke defenders rugged.
Rooney was the hub of a brilliant Manchester United performance that swept aside an out of sorts Schalke side to plant one foot in next year’s Champions League final at Wembley. If Rooney keeps on turning up with performances like these, he surely will once
again be ranked amongst the best in the world.
Rooney is looking like a player who has realised his massive potential and is finally looking to carry the burden of his team’s success. Rooney is surely climbing back up the ladder and being only 25, he surely has miles to go and like Sherringham and Giggs,
he has the brain that will not fade with time.
If http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international plays like he played last night, there will be very few who could come close to his grace, panache, creativity and sheer menace. What is worse for his opponents that his beast years may still lie ahead.
Five years ago his dismissal for stamping Carvalho was seen as the sole reason behind England being knocked out of the competition on penalties. He was short of full match fitness as he was rushed into the team after he broke his metatarsal playing for Manchester
United and his manager’s tactics also did not help and Rooney cut a figure of frustration and angst.
The five years in between have brought many highs and lows for England’s most naturally gifted striker and he is starting to get better. He may not be banging in goals as he did last season but his performances are pivotal for his team’s title push and with
him rediscovering his goal scoring form there are few who doubt Manchester United completing the league and Champions League double.
From being an out an out striker, Rooney is now reveling in the role of playing just off the striker, in the hole, as the football pundits would call that position. He digs deep when his team does not have the possession and is not afraid to go even deeper
to defend when times are dire.
With Rooney playing like he is, along with the age defying brilliance of Giggs and the untiring and indefatigable Park Ji Sung, United are now looking like the real deal.
They are not just the Champions elect in the Premier League but are also within touching distance of a fourth Champions League crown. Standing in the way are two clubs from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 but if Rooney carries on the mantle like he has been doing recently there is
no doubt about the fact that come May, United will be crowned the double winners.
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