Wayne Rooney | 2012-14 Performances

[Liam147]

It might have happened. I stand by what I've said, Rooney hasn't said anything publicly and we have no idea which stories, if any, have been planted. This is the problem with the British media, they make up so much shit that you can't take anything you read at face value. Unless you believe every single story about Rooney has been planted by Stretford, how can you tell the genuine plants from the made up bullshit?

There's a knack to it.

Some of them have a genuine tone to them where they look planted. They tend to come from the same journos and they tend to have connections with the player/club. Others look like genuine news stories.

What's your stance here anyway? Do you genuinely think he doesn't want to leave? I can tell you he wants to leave. He won't place an official transfer request because Stretford knows they'll lose a wad. United know they don't have to sell him because Rooney needs to play well with it being a WC year. I know people will say he'll get in no matter what, but he won't be the fixture he is if he's not playing regularly, particularly if Sturridge/Welbeck's form continues.

I'll ask this again, no one has answered yet. Why are the other players (at least two outfield players) who didn't celebrate with RVP not having their professionalism questioned? Where were they?

I dunno. Maybe there's no reason to question their professionalism/commitment? It's a bit of confirmation bias I'd guess.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

He's chosen not to bother because his position within the club is unclear. I'm not sure the club want to keep him, no matter what official statements they come up with. He could come out and say he wants to stay and will not be leaving, end of story but he's not sure the club wouldn't accept a bid for him. Then He'd look like a cnut.
He could come out and say he's leaving, end of story and the club could stand firm and make him run his contract down, out of spite. Then he'd look like a cnut. So he's better off saying nothing at all. Then again, saying nothing makes him look like a cnut, so he's damned if does and damned if he doesn't.

Until such time as either he or the club announces he will be leaving, he's still a United player and as such will receive my full support.

Well surely the club would look bad in that instance? If he announces his intention to stay, and we sell him regardless, then it's soley the clubs choice and Rooney comes out the innocent party.

Also, considering we have come out and officially said we want him to stay and will not be sold, if Rooney said similar, and then we decided to sell him - that really would look odd from the club. Rooney's got nothing to lose - unless he actually does want to leave.

 

[ghaliboy]

Indeed he is, and that's what I find petty and pathetic. He's acting out to prove some sort of point/make a statement... he could just as easily maintain his position and not act like a cock.

Not to have a go at you specifically. But Carlos Tevez walked out on the club (City) for 4 months. Just walked out completely. Came back played some games and the team won the title and the fans all line up to lick his arse.

Just put that into perspective here.

 

[Earthquake]

Not to have a go at you specifically. But Carlos Tevez walked out on the club (City) for 4 months. Just walked out completely. Came back played some games and the team won the title and the fans all line up to lick his arse.

Just put that into perspective here.

All while he took the piss out of them doing golf swings when he scored.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Not to have a go at you specifically. But Carlos Tevez walked out on the club (City) for 4 months. Just walked out completely. Came back played some games and the team won the title and the fans all line up to lick his arse.

Just put that into perspective here.

Of course, other players have done far worse things... other United players have probably done far worse things, but we can only discuss the inicdent in front of us. I've not said this was some unforgiveable act or anything, and that he can never play for the club again... just that Rooney was (purposefully) a bit petty today.

 

[Nick 0208 Ldn]

He's chosen not to bother because his position within the club is unclear. I'm not sure the club want to keep him, no matter what official statements they come up with. He could come out and say he wants to stay and will not be leaving, end of story but he's not sure the club wouldn't accept a bid for him. Then He'd look like a cnut.

Why would a previously important player doing all they can to remain at the club come across like that?

It's not as if he would be denying the club urgently required funds to stave off administration or something. He certainly wouldn't have lost the backing of a sizeable section of the support were he to declare that he wanted to fight for his place in the team.

 

[The Don]

Well surely the club would look bad in that instance? If he announces his intention to stay, and we sell him regardless, then it's soley the clubs choice and Rooney comes out the innocent party.

Also, considering we have come out and officially said we want him to stay and will not be sold, if Rooney said similar, and then we decided to sell him - that really would look odd from the club. Rooney's got nothing to lose - unless he actually does want to leave.

I'd say he wants to leave now. Considering all the drama that's surrounding him and the all the fans that have immediately jumped all over him. I don't think he did when he allegedly told SAF he wanted to leave. I'd say that was more of a confrontation that got heated and things got said. Maybe he claimed that if he wasn't regarded as a first choice player anymore, that maybe he should just leave, in which case, he would have a point and think its the most likely scenario. I'll be 100% honest and say I think SAF stitched him up, good and proper.

Why would SAF do that? I dunno. Maybe it was another one of those call your bluff moments, that was supposed to make Rooney apologise and pledge himself to the club, and maybe it backfired.

Or, maybe SAF just decided, "feck it, I'll show him" and made the claim to force Rooney's hand.

Either scenario is plausible, tbh.

 

[The Don]

Why would a previously important player doing all they can to remain at the club come across like that?

It's not as if he would be denying the club urgently required funds to stave off administration or something. He certainly wouldn't have lost the backing of a sizeable section of the support were he to declare that he wanted to fight for his place in the team.

I meant it would make a fool out of him if he publicly claimed he wanted to stay, yet the club accepted a big offer for him. It would be more than a trifle embarrassing, wouldn't you say?

Also, lets be honest. He's Wayne Rooney, our most consistently important player over the last 5/6 years, at least. Why should he have to fight for his place. He's proven, season after season how important he is to this club, and what, now he's just another squad player? maybe that's the problem?

 

[Nick 0208 Ldn]

I meant it would make a fool out of him if he publicly claimed he wanted to stay, yet the club accepted a big offer for him. It would be more than a trifle embarrassing, wouldn't you say?

It would be newsworthy certainly although his reputation needn't be what it is presently, even if some amicable parting of the ways turned out to be the best outcome. The club wouldn't exactly be without an awkward air if the player was adamant about staying over the club of their preference at that time.

Also, lets be honest. He's Wayne Rooney, our most consistently important player over the last 5/6 years, at least. Why should he have to fight for his place. He's proven, season after season how important he is to this club, and what, now he's just another squad player? maybe that's the problem?

You would want a player at the club who may as well be walking out dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and sipping on a Pina Colada?

For how long can a player hope to compete with very best when they don't feel they have to prove their quality each week? To do so doesn't make you a squad player, on the contrary in many ways.

 

[The Don]

It would be newsworthy certainly although his reputation needn't be what it is presently, even if some amicable parting of the ways turned out to be the best outcome. The club wouldn't exactly be without an awkward air if the player was adamant about staying over the club of their preference at that time.

Since when did Manchester United care what people think, when it comes to getting rid of big players who wanted to stay? Let's not kid ourselves here, we have been ruthless at times.

You would want a player at the club who may as well be walking out dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and sipping on a Pina Colada?

For how long can a player hope to compete with very best when they don't feel they have to prove their quality each week? To do so doesn't make you a squad player, on the contrary in many ways.

You'll have to do better than that. No, I want the club to tell a player of that caliber and importance that as long as he's fit and playing well, then he is considered as first choice, a key player and an integral part of the team.

 

[The Neviller]

Which two outfield players were they? And when was the last time you saw an assist maker not celebrate a goal?

Also, whats changed for Rooney since Wednesday night?

Does it matter who they were? There are more players than Wayne Rooney missing out of the picture that so many found disgusting. And unprofessional.

What assist are you talking about? The pass to RVP, for the goal which was really all RVP's hard work, which Rooney made a run to try and get a pass for and probably wouldn't consider as an assist, or the Welbeck one where he got taken out as he made the pass and was on the ground when Welbeck scored?

 

[ghaliboy]

Then why are you refusing to accept the overwhelming probability that Rooney/Stretford have placed stories in the papers? That has happened.

Accept the overwhelming probability
ACCEPT THE OVERWHELMING PROBABILITY

fecking hell.

Do you genuinely think he doesn't want to leave? I can tell you he wants to leave.

Nailed on paranoia.

 

[AlwaysRedwood]

There were rumors the senior players were unhappy with Rooney a couple of weeks ago.

Today, there were occasions when it seemed like players were almost purposefully not passing Rooney the ball.

I could give a shit about him celebrating. To me, this seemed more worrying. A split in the locker room would be more of a problem.

 

[Liam147]

Accept the overwhelming probability
ACCEPT THE OVERWHELMING PROBABILITY

fecking hell.

Nailed on paranoia.

Are you for real? I'm paranoid because we all know that Rooney wants to leave?!

YOU'RE ALL PARANOID LADS!

 

[ghaliboy]

Does it matter who they were? There are more players than Wayne Rooney missing out of the picture that so many found disgusting. And unprofessional.

Not to mention 'embarrassing'.

Are you for real? I'm paranoid because we all know that Rooney wants to leave?!

YOU'RE ALL PARANOID LADS!

Why not. Everyone seems to be naive in not believing something that cannot be proven 100%. People having their mind boggled not believing the probability of something that cannot be proven.

Turn it up. You have less clue than some of the tripe spouting journo's talking complete codshit to strangers in the papers.

 

[LR7]

He was clapped on was he?

Yeah.
He had his name chanted whilst he was warming up, and eventually acknowledged it by giving the fans a little thumbs up/wave. He was clapped & had his name chanted again when he was subbed on. He didn't join in the celebrations with either goal he was on the pitch for, and at the end of the game all of then players came over for quite a while to clap the fans/wave and he was the only one not to -as far as I can remember.

 

[Nick 0208 Ldn]

Since when did Manchester United care what people think, when it comes to getting rid of big players who wanted to stay? Let's not kid ourselves here, we have been ruthless at times.

I wasn't referring to United itself, simply the player's self respect and the manner in which they might ultimately depart a football club.

You'll have to do better than that. No, I want the club to tell a player of that caliber and importance that as long as he's fit and playing well, then he is considered as first choice, a key player and an integral part of the team.

A casual attitude toward dedication where a sense of entitlement and having made it with nothing left to earn is not something which should be encouraged. If Rooney has decided to be fit and is playing well enough then who cars if somebody else is showing that they might be able to do better yet?

You'd make Rooney first choice, would that be in a position of his choosing or the manager's?

 

[Liam147]

Why not. Everyone seems to be naive in not believing something that cannot be proven 100%. People having their mind boggled not believing the probability of something that cannot be proven.

Turn it up. You have less clue than some of the tripe spouting journo's talking complete codshit to strangers in the papers.

Okay. Let's believe nothing unless we have 100% definitive proof.

Did you guys know that Rooney hasn't actually asked to leave at all? Fergie made the whole thing up! At no point over the summer has Chelsea made any offer for Rooney, they've never really submitted any interest. The furthest it went is when Mourinho said he was a good player.

We never made a bid for Fabregas, we never made a bid for Thiago, we never made a bid for Baines and we've never made a bid for Fellaini.

Everything you thought you knew is out the window. We're through the looking glass here people.

 

[ghaliboy]

"I can tell you right now, he wants to leave".

See Brightonian's summary.

 

[The Don]

I wasn't referring to United itself, simply the player's self respect and the manner in which they might ultimately depart a football club.




A casual attitude toward dedication where a sense of entitlement and having made it with nothing left to earn is not something which should be encouraged. If Rooney has decided to be fit and is playing well enough then who cars if somebody else is showing that they might be able to do better yet?

You'd make Rooney first choice, would that be in a position of his choosing or the manager's?

Ahh stop with this nonsense. You're smarter than that, I hope. This myth that even star players have to earn their place in the team just is not true. Yes managers, all of them, trot that bullshit out to the media but it's just a saying. You think RVP wasn't an automatic first choice last season, even when he went on a barren spell? You keep your best players happy. IF you leave them out, you tell them you're resting them, not dropping them and if they need it the reassurance, you tell them how important they are.

Rooney's statistics, contribution and overall importance to the team, should be enough for him to be told he's still a key player and still highly valued.

As for the bolded part. That's a different story. Every player should be willing to play in whatever position suits the team best. However that does not equate to dropping one of your most gifted and influential players for massive matches. Dropping big players for big games shows a lack of faith and diminishes their position within the squad.

You don't drop your most talented players, even when they may not be in the best form, not for big matches because they are the players that can change games with moments of brilliance. You especially don't do it when you are in short supply of that level of talent.

I hardly ever question SAF's judgement and I would never hold any mistakes against the great man. But I think he got it wrong with his treatment of Rooney, this time around.

 

[Liam147]

"I can tell you right now, he wants to leave".

See Brightonian's summary.

Well do you really think the BBC (who can't run a story unless there are two credible sources) made up the 'angry and confused' quotes? Do you think everyone did? The whole media, for no reason whatsoever, sat down and said "Let's all make up a Rooney quote. No one has anything to gain from it, but let's."

You seem so incredibly sceptical that anything in the press could be true. Well it is. Sure it's not always, and tabloids are as questionable as the rest, but on the whole, broadsheets are reporting news and facts. Why Rooney himself wouldn't come out and clear the air with a simple statement saying:

"I'd like to clarify the situation. I said to SAF at the end of last season that I wanted to play up front more/didn't want rotating as much, for X reason. This was misinterpreted by the manager, who said I wanted to leave. I can categorically deny that I want to leave."

Why has this not happened? Why has he nor Stretford said anything (as you seem to believe neither has)?

 

[The Don]

Well do you really think the BBC (who can't run a story unless there are two credible sources) made up the 'angry and confused' quotes? Do you think everyone did? The whole media, for no reason whatsoever, sat down and said "Let's all make up a Rooney quote. No one has anything to gain from it, but let's."

You seem so incredibly sceptical that anything in the press could be true. Well it is. Sure it's not always, and tabloids are as questionable as the rest, but on the whole, broadsheets are reporting news and facts. Why Rooney himself wouldn't come out and clear the air with a simple statement saying:

"I'd like to clarify the situation. I said to SAF at the end of last season that I wanted to play up front more/didn't want rotating as much, for X reason. This was misinterpreted by the manager, who said I wanted to leave. I can categorically deny that I want to leave."

Why has this not happened? Why has he nor Stretford said anything (as you seem to believe neither has)?

I've already answered this.

 

[The Neviller]

Well do you really think the BBC (who can't run a story unless there are two credible sources) made up the 'angry and confused' quotes? Do you think everyone did? The whole media, for no reason whatsoever, sat down and said "Let's all make up a Rooney quote. No one has anything to gain from it, but let's."

You seem so incredibly sceptical that anything in the press could be true. Well it is. Sure it's not always, and tabloids are as questionable as the rest, but on the whole, broadsheets are reporting news and facts. Why Rooney himself wouldn't come out and clear the air with a simple statement saying:

"I'd like to clarify the situation. I said to SAF at the end of last season that I wanted to play up front more/didn't want rotating as much, for X reason. This was misinterpreted by the manager, who said I wanted to leave. I can categorically deny that I want to leave."

Why has this not happened? Why has he nor Stretford said anything (as you seem to believe neither has)?

If you believe that Rooney/Stretford has planted stories in the press, and therefore has spoken on the matter, then by the same notion you should believe that he/they have said that he never asked to leave, with the whole "United should apologise, I never asked for a transfer" story that was in the press earlier in the summer, no?

 

[ghaliboy]

Well do you really think the BBC (who can't run a story unless there are two credible sources) made up the 'angry and confused' quotes? Do you think everyone did? The whole media, for no reason whatsoever, sat down and said "Let's all make up a Rooney quote. No one has anything to gain from it, but let's."

Oh sorry, let me reiterate this again, I have not opened a single paper on any matter. It probably should be stickied but basically I didn't read any slick of media in that entire window. Just regurged stuff from here and the odd direction from here to an article. In rooneys case it wasn't much.

It's probably why I find it absurd that not believing the papers is being shunned here.

You seem so incredibly sceptical that anything in the press could be true. Well it is. Sure it's not always, and tabloids are as questionable as the rest, but on the whole, broadsheets are reporting news and facts. Why Rooney himself wouldn't come out and clear the air with a simple statement saying:

Becuase again for the 1 billionth time. It was between him and the club. He doesn't live his life to adhere to the mental fans who claw over every piece of media looking for some satisfaction in it. The resolution in the fans eyes probably doesnt even register to a player of his magnitude. Could you imagine being a top flight footballer of his pedigree and constantly living your career in always trying to do the right thing by the fans? I just think that is a bit mental to be honest. I am of the opinion that he doesn't have to do it. The papers feed the paranoia which feeds the fans who speculate this and that who feed the media who feed the fans rinse repeat.

I mean look at how many in this thread are telling us all how he feels. Like they are Rooney's PR agent themselves or his best mate. I think that tells a pretty big story in the way the fans are acting. I said "He definitely wants to leave" because it must have appeared about 20 times in the last 10 pages despite not a single person talking to Wayne and largely speculating on body language and any other thing they want to speculate about.

I'm not being genuinely naive and saying it's not happening just like I am sure your "It's an obvious probability" could actually be wrong. There is elements of doubt anywhere and if he stays and plays then I don't really care either way. On the field is all I really care about. Otherwise nobody would like Giggs or Ando or De Gea for nicking doughnuts etc.

It was actually mentioned here what the reaction of the matchgoers would be like. It was generally positive. (Actually I think I mentioned it) Would that kind of reception really register in a players eyes to want to put all the media speculation to rest? All in all this amount of ludicrous publicity for Rooney is great in general.
But oops. That shit already happens!

 

[antihenry]

 

[amolbhatia50k]

What a fecking hero.

 

[Claymore]

feck off you Rooney haters.

He came on tonight, despite all the shit some have given him, and gave a promising cameo. Not many players "who want to leave" would supply two assists and covered a lot of ground. I mean surely you lot saw the determination in his run for RVP's goal.

We wouldn't be giving him minutes, 5 minutes maybe but not 30, if we were planning to sell him off.

He's in a strop. Everyone can see that. Eventually he'll see sense - he needs to stay. He's a fecking good player.

He earns like £200k+ a week, and so he should!!!! If he didn't want to stay last time he shouldn't have signed up for the extra money. Now he's moaning again because he's RVP's bitch. Like it or lump it. I personally would love it if we sold him but only for big money and with replacement of some kind, not necessarily like for like. Been a great player for us, legendary but time to move on.

 

[kouroux]

The end of the transfer window cannot come soon enough, no matter the outcome in this "saga".

 

[ghaliboy]

He earns like £200k+ a week, and so he should!!!! If he didn't want to stay last time he shouldn't have signed up for the extra money. Now he's moaning again because he's RVP's bitch. Like it or lump it. I personally would love it if we sold him but only for big money and with replacement of some kind, not necessarily like for like. Been a great player for us, legendary but time to move on.

Bizarre. Also what does his wage really matter in this case? It's not as though he's dragging the club through the dirt stealing a living.

 

[Gee Male]

He earns like £200k+ a week, and so he should!!!! If he didn't want to stay last time he shouldn't have signed up for the extra money. Now he's moaning again because he's RVP's bitch. Like it or lump it. I personally would love it if we sold him but only for big money and with replacement of some kind, not necessarily like for like. Been a great player for us, legendary but time to move on.

And then fans demand loyalty from players.

Bizarre post in general.

 

[#07]

No way out: Rooney has accepted he can't move to Chelsea this summer and will stay at Manchester United for another season

 

[Zen]

I hope he keeps the beard, worked for Pirlo.....he looked all depressed and shit, but hit the form of his life thanks to the beard.

 

[dar10nian]

I still don't comprehend why Rooney is so unhappy at United (if true). And how will a move to Chelsea make things better for him ? But his body language and refusal to celebrate the goals suggest he really wants out.

 

[ghaliboy]

Spoiler

No way out: Rooney has accepted he can't move to Chelsea this summer and will stay at Manchester United for another season

Why are you giving that rubbish more hits?

 

[Feed Me]

The thing that pleased me most about Rooney's non-celebration was that his team mates appeared not to give one single feck.

I can understand Wayne being stroppy - his team mates have probably taken a dim view of him angling for another move, and so it's probably not sweetness and light between him and the rest of the squad.

Essentially, Rooney just needs to score a goal himself, then he'll probably be more expressive.

Not often I say this, but Redknapp was spot on during SNF - Rooney's pride was probably further dented by RvP's and then Welbeck's brilliance. It was bad enough that our maestro is constantly shunting him into the shade, but then even Welbeck was stealing limelight.

He needs to settle down to the fact he's staying because he's definitely not being sold. And with Sturridge scoring for fun since joining Liverpool, and Welbeck being such a talent, I don't think Rooney can afford to spend the entire season being a stroppy bastard, what with the World Cup round the corner.

All that said, I don't see it as "we've got RvP and Welbeck's improving so we don't need him." If we can get him fully motivated and focused, it makes us a really strong side.

 

[Revan]

What about the other professional football players who didn't celebrate with RVP? Why is Rooney being held to a different standard to them? Even allowing for De Gea being a goalkeeper and not likely to run to celebrate, there are at least two other players not in that huddle. Where are the threads criticising their lack of team work and professionalism?

There is only Valencia not celebrating there (except De Gea). 8 players were celebrating. Anyway I don't find Valencia's behavior strange at all cause that's usual for it, he doesn't celebrate, he doesn't talk, he doesn't whine to ref. We know that for a lot of time. He also didn't left the pitch without applauding the fans.

This is the crux though. If RVP had assisted the second goal it would've been considered a great through ball. with Rooney, now, its just nothing special.

No, we would have said that it was a good assist that set Welbeck in a good position from which he scored an incredible goal. But surely it wasn't nothing special, I would have expect from any player of us to do that.

 

[Revan]

According to paranoid schizophrenics everywhere. The only thing Rooney has officially said is that he never actually asked to leave, but simply sought reassurances about his place in the team. Why does everyone acknowledge that the sports media make up crap all the time but forget it as soon as Rooney's involved?

We don't know if Rooney is talking to media (being angry and confused etc) but he could have easily denied it. We also know that he has asked to leave and asked to not play in a game last season so it wouldn't surprise me at all if he (or his agent) was talking to media.

 

[kouroux]

The thing that pleased me most about Rooney's non-celebration was that his team mates appeared not to give once single feck.

I can understand Wayne being stroppy - his team mates have probably taken a dim view of him angling for another move, and so it's probably not sweetness and light between him and the rest of the squad.

Essentially, Rooney just needs to score a goal himself, then he'll probably be more expressive.

Not often I say this, but Redknapp was spot on during SNF - Rooney's pride was probably further dented by RvP's and then Welbeck's brilliance. It was bad enough that our maestro is constantly shunting him into the shade, but then even Welbeck was stealing limelight.

He needs to settle down to the fact he's staying because he's definitely not being sold. And with Sturridge scoring for fun since joining Liverpool, and Welbeck being such a talent, I don't think Rooney can afford to spend the entire season being a stroppy bastard, what with the World Cup round the corner.

All that said, I don't see it as "we've got RvP and Welbeck's improving so we don't need him." If we can get him fully motivated and focused, it makes us a really strong side.

Spot on and it was also apparent during the match that he wasn't an "obligatory" target for passes. I mean it in the sense that if you're a big player in a team, when you make yourself available for a pass more often than not you'll receive it. Probably a silly question but did RVP pass the ball to him once last night ? I think there was a passing sequence at 1-3 where Rooney made himself available for the ball but RVP chose to keep it.

 

[Revan]

I hardly ever question SAF's judgement and I would never hold any mistakes against the great man. But I think he got it wrong with his treatment of Rooney, this time around.

What?? For dropping him in a single match, when the player who replaced Rooney (Welbeck) was arguably our best player and with his pressure took Alonso completely out of the game. It was a great tactical decision by SAF and we would have won the game if it wasn't for a certain Turkish referee. Rooney couldn't do a good job on two cases against Busquets and for England against Italy (Pirlo). Welbeck did his job perfectly and I don't care if people say that it hurt Rooney's ego, the manager should send the best team for big matches and with the tactical setup we had, Welbeck was better than Rooney for that position.

 

[Bojan11]

What?? For dropping him in a single match, when the player who replaced Rooney (Welbeck) was arguably our best player and with his pressure took Alonso completely out of the game. It was a great tactical decision by SAF and we would have won the game if it wasn't for a certain Turkish referee. Rooney couldn't do a good job on two cases against Busquets and for England against Italy. Welbeck did his job perfectly and I don't care if people say that it hurt Rooney's ego, the manager should send the best team for big matches and with the tactical setup we had, Welbeck was better than Rooney for that position.

Plus Rooney didnt look unhappy when we scored. I don't think the Madrid game was a factor.