With the words “… he wants to leave, and I just can’t believe it…”, Sir Alex Ferguson probably released the most speculative statement of the year, with Manchester United superstar Wayne Rooney heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney, who in August released a statement claiming he wants to end his career in Old Trafford, suddenly finds himself in the thick of the international press, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealing that England and Manchester United’s number 10 wants to leave, and has wanted to leave since as early as just a few weeks after the World Cup in South Africa.
Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, Manchester United were never going to be the same. Failing to win the Barclays Premier League last season, and, even though they really deserved to advance even further, suffered elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of German outfit Bayern Munchen.
Collecting the Carling Cup was obviously better than nothing, but a team that won the previous 3 domestic titles, and reaching the last two finals of the European competition certainly expected more even thought they were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez (which put together scored over 60 goals for the Red Devils in the 2007-2008 season and almost 40 goals in the 2008-2009 season) left the club to Los Blancos and Manchester City respectively.
It was time for Wayne Rooney to step up, as the 24 year-old netted a brilliant 34 goals in all competitions, putting Manchester United fans right on the edge of their seats every time he touched the ball. He was literally a Manchester United God last season, up until then… Collecting an injury in Munich against Bayern, which ultimately effected his game up until this very moment. Failing to score since the second minute of the game in Munich till this very day in open play, including a very disappointing World Cup and a revolving personal life, Rooney has been called a donkey by the very same people who praised every touch he made last season.
To add onto the misery, Wayne rejected to extend his contract at United, as he is expected to join former amigo Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, or former strike partner, Carlos Tevez in the other side of Manchester.
However, as I surf the net for opinions, including Facebook, Twitter, and so many soccer websites, Manchester United fans show absolutely no interest in Rooney’s departure links, as comments like “ he wants out? F*** him and his f***ing agent!” as well as “no player is bigger than the club, go put the millions City are offering you up Jennifer Thompson’s @$$” spread all over the page.
As a Manchester United fan, I wouldn’t use the phrases the guys above said, but I would in a way agree. I believe when the love of money and greed intersects with a player’s love of the game, the club is better off without him, even though that player is their star. Why Wayne would change his mind from staying in what he called “the biggest club in the world” to leaving? It could be because of personal issues and running away from the English press, but then again, why would he consider a club whose stadium is only a few kilometers from Old Trafford. Money?
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill insist they are prepared to make him the highest payed English player in history. Only then will the question of glory comes, as he might believe Manchester United aren’t good enough anymore for title wins, but then again, Manchester United’s team hasn’t changed much since August.
Sorry Wayne, but there’s absolutely no excuse to leave Manchester United… If you do eventually, good luck, but no heart will love you and no crest will cherish you more than the fans that sing your name, and the shirt which has your name on its back right now.
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