13 May 2013 09:26:38
Wayne Rooney 197 goals in 400 games

That's a better strike rate than, Ronaldo, Cantona, Cole, Sir Bobby, George Best.

Only topped by Law and RVN, who were out and out strikers.

I've posted before about my disappointment in his attitude and signs of disrespect.

After Gary Neville's speech last night I am edging towards keeping him.

I know this is unpopular, but Rooney is an ego, he wants to play every game and he needs to be in a run of games to hit his genius.

The easy thing to do is let him go, there is no way he will hit his peaks at the managerial merry go round clubs, so that doesn't worry me.

BUT if Moyes can sit him down, give him a role he's happy with, pander to him a bit, it could be like signing a new player.

The stats don't lie, and as much as it sickens me whilst I head to work on a Monday morning on 0. 1% of his wages, like Cantona before him, show him a bit of love, massage his ego and the results are great for the club.

1.) 13 May 2013
All I got from that is that you believe Rooney is bigger than the club. - that's the impression you gave me.

He's not a genius, he's a very average playmaker, it's all he's been since 2010. Over-hyped like most of the English players and the day he goes will honestly be one of my happiest days as a United fan.

2.) 13 May 2013
Rooney has had three seasons to "hit his genius" but hasn't looked the same player since 2009. How long will it take people to realise the best of Rooney is gone. He is still a top player, but we will not see an explosive, fit, "genius" Wayne Rooney again and his lackluster performances will get more and more regular. The question is: Is Rooney worth the money he is getting paid for the performances he is giving? Or can we bring in a player who is better in midfield and cheaper? Because if Lewandowski was signed it would be him and RvP in attack, not Rooney.

Sydney!

3.) 13 May 2013
Rooney on his day is without doubt one of the greatest in the world and a joy to watch unfortunlately I believe these days are behind him.

This season has been beyond poor imo he looks lazy, uninterested and a professional coming into the new season x amount overweight is ridicilous - I understand having a relaxing summer you might put on several pounds but you quickly get back into business and into match fitness unfort this didn't happen.

I am on the fence at the minute - don't want to see a world class player (on his day) leave the club but to put in two transfer requests it shows he doesn't want to be here if that's the case adidos amigo.

1 more point - I don't like the massage the ego and tell him how much we love him and how good he is thing - he is on over 200k grand a week - it would take me over 10 years to generate that and he's not enjoying his football and being subbed - give me a break!

Have a look at RVP yesterday giving his all for the club giving fergie the biggest hug and showing his class - the guy has oozed class from the first minute he signed for the club - rooney could take a few notes out of his book instead of throwing the dummy out of the pram when things aren't going right.

4.) 13 May 2013
13 May 2013 10:26:35
Yeah the best thing a manager could do when he gets the biggest job in the world is start sticking his nose up a player's ass, especially if said player is an egotistical, self centered, unfit, overweight and the definition of overrated. That ought to get him respect.

Mick

5.) 13 May 2013
I agree with "The Moon" Rooney needs to go so we can move forward with players who wants to play for the shirt

Richmond

6.) 13 May 2013
I AGREE WIN MOON. I keep saying over and over that stats can be deceiving. We all watch the same games and in footballing terms he has lost the hustle, his will and fitness when on the pitch for us.

I am sure there are many behind the scenes reasons for this that we are not privy to, but the reality is we can not in anyway promote a culture that players can just walk in and ask for a transfer if they are not getting what they want.

I sleep well knowing he will be gone this summer as long as we use the funds from his sale to improve the squad. I also think he will struggle after united and as Neville said last night after United there is no place to go as proven by s many players, look at Beckham, Keane, Veron etc etc.

He will unfortunately will be one of these players who will get moved on again by whoever he signs him in a couple of years.

I can't see him excelling in Spain or Germany as the level of fitness and technical ability is quite high and he will struggle. I can see him at PSG but they also seem like a City team where there is a revolving door of players coming and going.

I read Chelsea might be interested and I would sell him for 30 to 35 to them. I think where ever he goes in the PL he will struggle with the physicality of the game.

Shahram

7.) 13 May 2013
Thats why I started the post with the stats, no one has been more disapointed than me, with his performances over the last two years.

I was even shocked to see how well he's performed against the players I mentioned Cantona, Cole etc

I honestly think at 27 there is still the opportunity for him to turn it round.

His relationship with SAF has soured and was probably unsaveable after Rooneys public criticism and contract demands and I think this has impeded his performances. lack of motivation, SAF moving him around the pitch.

This is no excuse for the player, but my original point is, maybe just maybe Moyes can clear the air (their history aside). Get Rooney back on form, the benefits could be endless.

To quote SAF "An on form Rooney, wouldn't be dropped", his natural ability is undoubtable and I stick by the "genius" point, his natural ability is second to none in prem, his actual "performance" of recent doesn't stand up to that.

If there is a chance for him to play to his ability, in his best position, as a happy player, are we willing to pass on that?

8.) 13 May 2013
Sorry Moon

But as usual, when it comes to Rooney, you talk out of your arse! Nothing new though, just the tripe gets funny if not anything else. "Just an average play maker", "One of the happiest days as a United fan for me". Are you for real? I mean if he is so average and not worth the hype, why would it be your happiest day? Did he refuse you an autograph or a lift?

Deeps.

9.) 13 May 2013
Syd

Lets get Lewandowski or some quality replacement signed first before we even contemplate selling him. As it is Lewandowski isent looking very likely now is it? If he goes we need a world class player signed, nothing less would do,

Deeps.

10.) 13 May 2013
Deeps, for sure. We need a replacement in first. I do not think Lew is as likely as before and Ed002's posts are reflecting that. Will be a shame to miss out on him as he is a talented striker. United have had the chance to sign him, but it seems we have tried to get him TOO cheap. Ed002 says the four goals against RM wouldn't have changed anything, but I disagree. I doubt Chelsea would be in the mix now had he not scored them four goals. I doubt RM would be as interested either.

Sydney!

11.) 13 May 2013
Deeps

When he goes we need a good player signed. We are getting nowhere close to world class from him and at 250,000k his cost can not be justified. That is 12.5 million pounds per year for christ sake.

I am not sure if this has been discussed but there are rumours going around that apparently the club was not prepared to start discussions on a contract extension and had indicated it would be on lower terms and from there one thing led to another and hence his transfer request.

I think people who are fans of him need to get their head around that this is about his form and attitude.

I am betting man and would bet we have seen the best of him.

Have you thought about the possibility that he might even be worse next year.

We surely can't afford to have a guy sitting on the bench earning 250k and his market value will drop to nothing with one year left on his contract.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Would you extend his contract this summer?

2. What do you think would be fair wages for him?

3. At 29/30 year old when his extension comes in, do you think he will be better than he is currently?

4. Do you think his ego will accept a significant lowering of his wages?


Remember Berbatov from 30 to 4 million in 4 years.


Shahram

12.) 13 May 2013
It's not very often that I agree with what Moon writes, but this time he's spot on. Rooney has to go. Not even the most ardent fan can forgive him this time, surely?

On a separate note, I really hope DM brings Ross Barkley with him. He is going to be a massive star!

DL10

13.) 13 May 2013
Shahram

I will answer your questions one at a time with pointers.

1. Wayne Rooney (for the last time) is not on 250, 00 p/w, he is 160,000 basic and other performance related bonus, the same as Persie is on. So he certainly can't sit on his arse and rip the club off. If he does not perform he does not get the dosh.

2. I genuinely think he did not go about handing over a transfer request. He would have discussed his role in the team and other things with Fergie and offered to leave if he was not on the clubs long term plans. Is that really bad? Rio Ferdinand talked to Kenyon in person, Keane pulled his team mates down whenever he had a chance and flirted with Juve, Ronaldo agreed with Blatter's slave comments and from 2006 to 2008 every summer flashed his knickers at Madrid. This is what modern football is and Wayne Rooney is no more a saint/devil than the once mentioned above. He has been shunted around a fair bit this season. Fair enough if he wants to have a fresh start, he should leave.

3. I will not extend his contract now, but wait for another season and see if he regains some of his form and fitness and decide.

4. Ego? I think he is thick, emotionally insecure and like a child. He does not come across as a cocky businessman. Far from it, he does stuff that isent mature.

The only reservations I had with Moon's comments and I would want you to answer them.

1) Do you think he is an average player?

2)Would it be your happiest day being a United fan, when Wayne leaves. Are you that sad?

Deeps.

14.) 13 May 2013
Deeps, keeping Rooney for one more season then deciding whether or not to give him a new deal is dangerous and it would be plain stupid from the club. He will only have one more year left and would love to leave on a free a season later to maximise his future salary from another club. He would also love the huge signing on fee that would come with it. Selling now is the best option for the club.

Sydney!

15.) 13 May 2013
Deeps

"Ego? I think he is thick, emotionally insecure and like a child"

That is funny and I agree.

I do think he has changed and the lifestyle and fame has gone to his head an he does not try as hard whether it is a physical thing or just can't be bothered is anyone's guess.

On another note keeping him for another season is just not an option. If his value is somewhere in the region of 25 to 30 million now, next year if he performs at current level we would be lucky to get 15 million. The total cost to us would be in the region of 25 million.

The bigger issue is I can't see how you can keep him with the new manager coming in and the risk of having a very unsettled dressing room. Look at city, Madrid, these things can be infectious.

I think the fact that fergie came out and told people about the transfer has sealed his fate and we better focus on who we will be bringing in this summer rather than getting bugged down in a protracted Wayne Rooney soap opera this summer.

Shahram

16.) 13 May 2013
I agree with deeps. When rooney leaves and goes to Chelsea, we will realize what we have missed, and by then it will be too late. We're playing him out of position and expecting him to be the best player on the field.
People are talking about him as if he's 34. He's only 27 years old and his best years are ahead of him. If he goes elsewhere, and gets motivated and played in his preferred position, we will be the losers. Trust me on this one!
Nomidfield