A couple of weeks ago this blog stated that it was our belief that Wayne Rooney was not seriously injured, this followed the news that the player would be out of action for up to three weeks due to what Ferguson described as an "ankle injury".
Today the player himself has confirmed what we told you when stating very publicly that "No, I've had no ankle problem all season," said Rooney when asked about his problems on the fitness front. Rooney was then asked as to why Ferguson had said he had an injury, Rooney replied: "I don't know." The player was talking to the press following England's bore draw with Montenegro on Tuesday and there's no doubting Rooney and Ferguson are now on a collision course following this outburst.
While Rooney hasn't been seriously injured, there's no denying he hasn't been playing anywhere near his best, he hasn't scored from open play since March.
Quite why Rooney spoke to out to the media is open to question: was this his attempt to rail-road his way back into the United starting eleven after being "rested " recently? If that scenario is true, then Rooney is playing a very dangerous game because few players cross Ferguson and get away with it.
In speaking out in open defiance against his manager - who by default is being made to look like a liar - Rooney could be putting his United future in jeopardy, at least that is the danger.
Rooney needs to understand that Ferguson has been doing his level best to protect his star striker following his loss of form. Ferguson is the fairest manager of the lot with his players - and this episode is by no means the first time that the manager has told white lies to protect the player in question. Rather than tell the media that Rooney been dropped, surely it is better to tell the odd porky?
Anyone who has followed United for any length of time will hopefully be familiar with Fergie's ways, which we have become accustomed to. Nonetheless, the fans will be hoping this issue is put to bed quickly, but do not expect Rooney to start against West Brom.
No player is bigger than the club and in speaking out, Rooney, is clearly trying to pick the team and Ferguson will surely not have that.
if Rooney don't apologize quickly and get this sorted out, he might face a long spell in the sidelines or worse he might be sold..
ReplyDeleteThen we should surely have had enough of Rooneys game? The guy is yet again proving he is stupid. He thinks he is untouchable but he is quickly being found out. He needs to pull his head out of his arse otherwise we may not see him in red again after this season.
ReplyDeleteI've always had a high opinion of Rooney and found it easy to look past the whole "I slept with a prostitute who called me Shrek" incident
ReplyDeleteBut publicly contradicting SAF - that's a whole different kettle of fish - and not easy for me to get past.
I'm just a fan and don't claim to personally "know" any of the united players feelings. But being a supporter for so long I like to think I can get a sense of the type of players we have.
I wouldn't have believed Rooney was capable of this degree of stupidity. Every man and his dog knows that SAF will lie to the media to protect his players, surely Rooney doesn't think that calling out SAF in the media is going to get him on the team sheet.
Bloody hell.
What would have really impressed me is if Rooney volunteered to play a couple of minutes for the reserves to get some game fitness --> Maybe score a couple of goals to stick in to Fergie (in a good way) --> Keep his head down --> He'd have been the first name on the team sheet in no time. With his reputation enhanced, I might add.
Babu,
ReplyDeleteSaturday cannot come soon enough for me as I want to see what happens following this outburst, but you could be right.
FBHOTW.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. No one is bigger than United and Rooney is making a big mistake by challenging Fergie like this. What Rooney is attempting to do is undermine Fergie because the player knows full well that many of the fans will back him and this is precisely why Ferguson will be livid.
Reyals,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your comments. The problem with Rooney is that he's not that clever in the brain department.
At the end of the day ego's have been and gone. I don't think SAF has got the best out of Rooney by any means but what will it take to do so? Ronaldo had the ego but something special to go with it, Rooney doesn't. The whole "saviour of English Football" tag has done him no good. I want to see the look on his face that he had after his winner in the derby.
ReplyDeleteWorst case scenario, he goes in May. As we all know the only way is down, he should really sort himself out.
I don't think Rooney has the gumption to work it all out. At least that is my fear.
ReplyDelete'It is water off a duck's back to me'
ReplyDeleteKudos to fergie for putting a dampener on the media and for brushing the matter aside (at least publicly).
This is why SAF is legend. Nuff said.
Reyals,
ReplyDeleteAgreed and I'm just about to post an update this saga.