Time To Move Wazza On?

-Nate Hyatt

When the whistle blew for full time in the 170^th Manchester Derby, Manchester United had gained a point, as had their cross town rivals, Manchester City. The main difference? City’s point took them top of the table, while United’s point secured their move down one spot into 4^th position.

Even though the Red Devils dropped a spot in the table, they are only two points off of the table toppers, Manchester City with 28 matches still to play. Something is happening at United that hasn’t happened in two long years – they are very much in the race for the Premier League title at this early juncture of the season.

Fans at the grounds, and around the world, largely viewed this as two points dropped for United, as two of City’s best performers, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, did not play. City were ripe for the taking. England’s all-time leading goal scorer, Wayne Rooney, did play however, much to the chagrin of some of the fans. An ever-growing group of them have firmly planted themselves in the place that United’s captain, and 3^rd all-time scorer, be dropped from the team as quickly as possible. His displays have, more than not, been frustrating for the fans, and for the Liverpudlian himself who wants to continue playing at the highest level at Manchester United for years to come. A growing number of fans seem to have different plans for the man who supposedly twice held the club for ransom, asking both times to be given a move away from Old Trafford.

The Rooney conundrum is fascinating. Many fans support their club’s captain and want him to find his form again, desperately. He’s still young, only having just turned 30 years old, and by all accounts should be in the middle of the prime of his career. But, judging by his performances, you would assume Rooney is 36 years old, straining to reach balls, a heavy first touch, easily giving the ball away, and slow to make decisions (all clear indicators that age has fully set in on a footballer and the complete opposite of how the fiery striker made his name). 

We’ve seen plenty of times over the years with the best footballers as they get older. Many are forced to reinvent themselves, while others continue on as before, whether at different clubs or even in different countries. Sadly, time waits for none and though he has the support of the majority of United fans, some have decided that it is time for Rooney to move on and make way for the next generation.

The confusion begins with the manager, Louis van Gaal. A strong manager with an even stronger personality; the Dutchman has the respect and fear of his players. 

Crossing the Iron Tulip could see you sold away no matter how famous you are or how much he spent acquiring you – look only as far as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao for references. The manager values certain aspects of the beautiful game, and should players perform poorly there is a strong chance you will be dropped from his lineup, or even his team. 

He also gives a, seemingly, free pass to his captain. His captain is the first name on the team sheet and Van Gaal will faithfully stick by his choice as leader of his squad; he has proved as much with Bastian Schweinsteiger in the past. Louis van Gaal even refused to answer continued questions about Rooney and his performances after the derby, stating 'he is tired of answering the same questions.' Even though Rooney is captain, many want him held to the same standard to which the manager holds the other players, even going as far as blaming him and his performances for the loss of matches and dropped points for the club.

Much like a former United great, David Beckham, Rooney has always drawn extreme feelings from fans about their performances and off-field decisions. Sadly, players like this can only be appreciated once they’ve moved on.

The Rooney conundrum continues on as he is United’s top scorer this season in all competitions with 6 goals. Many are quick to claim that half his goals came against a terrible Belgium side. But, has United had a bigger game than the one that allowed them entrance back into the Champions League proper? No. His hat trick that night was worth 50 Million, possibly more, to the club. The captain led his team that night as a captain does. Those performances have been too far in between for many who believe Rooney should be doing that every game.

Along with the manager, the players support their captain too, they stand behind him, adamant that he will rediscover his form, never wavering. He will never be what he once was, they all know this - age does that to a player, especially one that has been at the top for so long. And Rooney has been around a long time.

He burst burst onto the scene at a mere 16 years old, beating an excellent Arsenal side in the dying moments of a 1-1 match at Everton with a superb goal on the run from 25 yards. Since then, Rooney has gone on to destroy defenders all over the world and break goal scoring records for club and country. His best form came out of position, as he and Cristiano Ronaldo terrorized England, and the world, leading United to three straight Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Even after Ronaldo angled and left for his dream move to Real Madrid, Rooney led the Red Devils with fire and passion and goals…lots of goals.

So what now?

With much of the focus of the footballing world on Wayne Rooney, he must now make a decision. Does he continue on as he has, frustratingly under performing until he is inevitably dropped and then eventually sold away? Or, does he redefine himself as another United great, Ryan Giggs, was forced to around the same time in his career? 

There are no easy questions for Rooney and only tough answers, but should the United captain hope to continue at the top level for many years, asking those questions and finding the right answers will be key to his Manchester retention, or, to his too early downfall.