13 Jul 2014 14:19:48
The more I watch the Dutch tactically the more I think LVG could be the best thing possible for Rooney. I have criticised him a hell of a lot and that is mainly down to him playing the game too much like he is on the school yard and not being effective enough for the amount of ball he gets given.

SAF had given up on him and I think that could be down to SAF lacking the energy and desire to stamp his authority on Rooney tactically. The game has moved on from just motivation and fear, and I doubt Rooney would listen to the coaches and with SAF not spending so much time on the training ground it was always a recipe for disaster.

Moyes did the opposite and made Rooney our go to guy and said do as you please, which meant Rooney stood out man for man, but to the detriment of the rest of the team.

However LVG should insist on Rooney being far more disciplined tactically and if Rooney can oblige LVG in this regard (and Rooney respects the decisions) we could see a far more effective player, he would have the energy that has been lacking where it counts and be on the same page as the rest of the team when he has the ball, which could bring out the best in him - rather than him trying to be a one man team which hurts everyone ultimately as he plays like David Luiz.

I am more confident than ever that we could see a new improved Rooney so long as he knuckles down and is capable of following instructions.

Maybe wishful thinking but it might just be what we all need, a more disciplined and therefore effective in right areas Wazzer. Just depends if LVG fancies him or not I suppose and if Rooney has the intellect to be able to follow tactics.

Do people agree?

1.) 13 Jul 2014
13 Jul 2014 14:42:37
Beast ,

Rooney having the intelligence and discipline required would be my worry but I hope you're right

2.) 13 Jul 2014
Really think that if the midfield is improved Rooney will be able to hold his position instead of dropping deep looking for the ball. Just a theory but if we have midfielders that pose a threat and can pass the ball forward it will help all of our forward players. I expect next season we will look much better than the last 2-3 seasons.

3.) 13 Jul 2014
I have faith in Rooney. I think he could do well under LvG. I expect him to play a deeper role than what he will probably want though.

4.) 13 Jul 2014
If he gets him firing that is two players on the pitch that are capable of scoring 30 a piece.

{Ed004's Note - I am not sure what'll happen with Rooney. This season is make or break for him. Could we see a much more compact team this year with full backs offering all the width. Obviously at times during the game the likes of Mata, Rooney, Herrera and hopefully Vidal would drift out wide into the space. Basically could we be about to use a 433 but the front 3 being extremely flexible and narrow. It would almost be a 4312 with Mata in behind Rooney and RVP. Similar to Liverpool formation and the one I posted the other day except Rooney for Di Maria}

5.) 13 Jul 2014
If i'm honest I can't see anything other than rooney Departing utd. Probably next summer.
For me it comes down to this -

As you said so far it seems rooney un manageable tactically. This along with his often poor short passing and ball control means I can't see him playing in a deeper role. He isn't as quick any more, he was never slow but neither was he electric quick. And we all kno adding pace in the forwards is one of the areas that needs addressing. Our best number 10s are mata and kagawa. Our best numer 9s are rvp and hernandez, we also have wilson to look forward to.
With us in the market for a wide forward with pace this window, and hopefully in for reus next season I just can't think of a role for him to fill besides been on the bench or starting when a rvp or mata needs resting or are out injured. I can't see him happy with that. Neither is it good business to have a 300k a week player warming the bench.

6.) 13 Jul 2014
Ed004 I think that could work, but do you not think the forward 3 would lack pace. Watching holand this world cup they use a lot of very fast counter attacks. Without a robben or
di maria type player with blistering pace we wouldn't really be capable to do the same.

{Ed004's Note - If one of those 3 had blistering pace like Sturridge or Coutinho it would work well however I agree with you I worry that lacks pace. Though if we are playing a team that is playing a high line we have Welbeck (assuming Hernandez leaves)}

7.) 13 Jul 2014
Thats why I think when we get that type of player, rooney will probably just simply not be needed and will probably be moved on.
What do you think ed?

{Ed004's Note - I'm guessing that's the most likely scenario. Though would love to be proved wrong and Rooney to hit his peak}

8.) 13 Jul 2014
I think Rooney will be moved on if possible, but at the same time I agree with Ed 004 this is the make or break season for him. I can only see Chelsea coming in for him if anyone.

With Vidal (hopeful) & Herrera offering support from midfield it will change our whole attacking dynamism in any case as we had no CM support last season. Mata Rooney RVP, is logical and to be honest RVP or Rooney may be replaced next season with a Reus type player so long as they are capable of interchanging. This gives Wilson another year to progress as well.

I'm excited and just hope Rooney see's this as a great opportunity rather than getting his knickers in a twist.

9.) 13 Jul 2014
That is what I had in mind ed. If we do sign another forward then we could feasibly drop Mata into the midfield 3 and slot the new player in behind RVP and Rooney.

I really would love to see Rooney up top with RVP though - on paper it is deadly.