[Cassidy]

I don't particularly like him there myself but, especially without Carrick, we don't have anyone with his range of passing which is also combined with physical power, solid defensive contribution and pace on the counter.

As I said in another thread, Herrera (who I think is obviously superior) offers very different things to Rooney. His short passing game is superior, as is his eye for a through ball but he doesn't switch the play quickly like Rooney does and he struggles to win the physical battle.

There's no denying they are different players and it's those differences that Van Gaal currently looks to employ.

Herrera doesn't switch the play as much yes (no one does tbh), but he has the range of pass to do that. Its about instructions in that sense, if thats what the managers wants him to do, then he should just tell him that, thats the managers job.
With regards to physicality yes, thats about the only reason I can see, but Herrera actually wins the ball back or turns over the ball and starts attacks very well his tenacity in the midfield is also very good. If he dropped one of his donkey strikers and put and extra mad in midfield (like Felliani), it would actually also help with the physical battle. Issue is he is clearly looking for the solution that doesn't involve dropping one the the strikers.

 

[#07]

The way Rooney won the penalty against Preston went a long way to showing what we miss when he doesn't play up front. Besides Wilson, none of our strikers has the acceleration to get around a defender and force a goalie to commit themselves in a way that draws a foul. Throughout the first half he was making the right runs off the back of the Preston defence, showing he's lost none of his striking instinct playing in midfield. In retrospect, with the way Rooney was running across Preston and beating their offside trap he was always going to get in eventually. Van Persie and Falcao have had months to prove themselves up top, both have failed. Now its Rooney's turn. Rooney must start at centre forward at Swansea.

 

[marlowe78]

He had a much better second half than first and I was glad to see him back on the scoresheet. He just doesn't look as quick as last season, though, which is what I've feared in his return to striker.

 

[Nighteyes]

Movement was good for the most part but other than that was fairly average throughout. Couple of good cases of link up play but evened out by a few sloppy passes.

Was beginning to get frustrated with himself late on as well so glad he got the goal. You could tell that the "No goals in 2015" stat might have been weighing on him even if he's mostly played in midfield.

 

[RedDevil [NC]]

He had a much better second half than first and I was glad to see him back on the scoresheet. He just doesn't look as quick as last season, though, which is what I've feared in his return to striker.

He still looks quick, I think he is just out of sorts with link up considering he has not played striker all year really. He had great movement and showed quickness to get behind the last line of defense it just seemed his runs were off or the midfield didnt know what to do.. He was able to get behind the last line twice, maybe three times but wither he was out of position or the midfield didnt recognize the runs. His build up the the "penalty" showed he can still dribble passed defenders but he doesn't do it consistently enough to make him look quick. His last real dribble reminded me of the year after Ronaldo left minus dribbling past the goalie and scoring.

 

[Bojan11]

Just play him striker. That last bit of play to earn the penalty was good and showed he's not slow. Falcao or RVP wouldn't be able to do that.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Decent performance but we're going to need a better striker in the coming seasons. Hopefully Wilson can be exactly that.

 

[SqueakyWeasel]

Thought he did really well. Won a pen and got us a goal by being off-side, both of which entail a player being in the box bothering the defenders and pulling them out of position – situations we have seen far too little of this season for my liking!

 

[Escobar]

He needs to play upfront or not at all

 

[Rooney in Paris]

I like how Di Maria and him seem to understand each other quite well. Towards the beginning of the season, I seem to recall we saw the beginning of this partnership, but since then they've been positioned in a way where they can't really link up. Last night, I thought Di Maria spotted Rooney's movement really well and I think if they got to develop this a bit more, it could be quite lethal.

 

[SammyUnited_83]

I like how Di Maria and him seem to understand each other quite well. Towards the beginning of the season, I seem to recall we saw the beginning of this partnership, but since then they've been positioned in a way where they can't really link up. Last night, I thought Di Maria spotted Rooney's movement really well and I think if they got to develop this a bit more, it could be quite lethal.

That link up was a real highlight of the game for me, we acutally began to look dangerous, albeit against a League 1 team.

Needs to play up front from now on, it's just a real shame that we are missing Carrick.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I like how Di Maria and him seem to understand each other quite well. Towards the beginning of the season, I seem to recall we saw the beginning of this partnership, but since then they've been positioned in a way where they can't really link up. Last night, I thought Di Maria spotted Rooney's movement really well and I think if they got to develop this a bit more, it could be quite lethal.

Yeah, the two best passes of the night were Di Maria to Rooney (first half, threaded through ball down the left channel) and Rooney to Di Maria (second hand, lofted ball down the right channel which the keeper raced out to clear) They're clearly on each others wavelength and should both spend as much time in the final third together as possible (Di Maria wide and Rooney central) Especially with creativity being an issue for us.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Yeah, the two best passes of the night were Di Maria to Rooney (first half, threaded through ball down the left channel) and Rooney to Di Maria (second hand, lofted ball down the right channel which the keeper raced out to clear) They're clearly on each others wavelength and should both spend as much time in the final third together as possible (Di Maria wide and Rooney central) Especially with creativity being an issue for us.

Wasn't exactly the same, but reminded me of the one against Yeovil, I think it was. The keeper read it well though, shame.

 

[Orton]

Di Maria's passing would work better if we had a player with proper pace running on to them. Something all of our strikers lack.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Di Maria's passing would work better if we had a player with proper pace running on to them. Something all of our strikers lack.

Except Rooney. Although entirely predictable that you can't see this.

 

[Trigg]

I thought he had a good game, one of the better players. He's a bit more involved in the general play than Van Persie and Falcao, even when playing up front and I think that helps.

 

[Orton]

Except Rooney. Although entirely predictable that you can't see this.

Although predictable that your favourites shall never be criticized for anything ever. Rooney was average until he dived to win a pen. Remember when you said anyone could play well against QPR in the Rafael thread yet you go overboard because Rooney won a penalty against Preston. Strange

 

[LeChuck]

Twas a nice dive.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Although predictable that your favourites shall never be criticized for anything ever. Rooney was average until he dived to win a pen. Remember when you said anyone could play well against QPR in the Rafael thread yet you go overboard because Rooney won a penalty against Preston. Strange

"overboard"

 

[Señor]

The amount of coverage this 'dive' is getting is ridiculous. Fergie really did a number on some of these ABU idiots.

 

[Cassidy]

Although predictable that your favourites shall never be criticized for anything ever. Rooney was average until he dived to win a pen. Remember when you said anyone could play well against QPR in the Rafael thread yet you go overboard because Rooney won a penalty against Preston. Strange

Yes but he wasn't average due to lack of pace to get onto passes was he.... He was bang average, but he had the pace to get in behind and Di Maria picked him out a few times, if Rooneys touch was better, or Di Maria's passing more consistent would have led to a few goals.

 

[Henrik Larsson]

Is it true that Wayne had 0 shots on target last night, except for the penalty?

 

[Mrs Smoker]

Is it true that Wayne had 0 shots on target last night, except for the penalty?

I clearly remember one that was blocked in first half.

 

[Henrik Larsson]

I clearly remember one that was blocked in first half.

Blocked by the goalkeeper?

I say this because it was the same for RVP last game I think, zero shots on goal except for one penalty. And then there's Falcao who had 0 shots on target against Burnley, and now last night I'm not sure but it wasn't much.

That's three of the biggest name strikers in the world having 0 shots on target from open play in two matches. Quite worrisome, and it has been like this for big chunks of the season, I remember Southampton away when Rooney played as a striker, he also had 0 shots on target. Van Persie scored 2, but from a mistake and a set-piece, not from a proper chance.

 

[Kounan]

Blocked by the goalkeeper?

I say this because it was the same for RVP last game I think, zero shots on goal except for one penalty. And then there's Falcao who had 0 shots on target against Burnley, and now last night I'm not sure but it wasn't much.

That's three of the biggest name strikers in the world having 0 shots on target from open play in two matches. Quite worrisome, and it has been like this for big chunks of the season, I remember Southampton away when Rooney played as a striker, he also had 0 shots on target. Van Persie scored 2, but from a mistake and a set-piece, not from a proper chance.

It usually has to do with the fact that we start risking more when we bring Fellaini in, while when we play with our regular strikers, we don't even try to create something, but play it safe. Look at Fellaini before the tactical changer, he was horrible, but when we started risking it more, he got better as would any player playing upfront.

 

[buckooo1978]

his running and movement were light years ahead of Falcao last nite

pair him with RVP/Wilson please in the next few games

he has the ability to drop deep and work hard when needed anyway - he'll always try and get involved in the game in constrast to RVP and Falcao who have looked isolated and haven't been able to get involved for one reason or another

 

[Cassidy]

It usually has to do with the fact that we start risking more when we bring Fellaini in, while when we play with our regular strikers, we don't even try to create something, but play it safe. Look at Fellaini before the tactical changer, he was horrible, but when we started risking it more, he got better as would any player playing upfront.

Thats not the only issue though tbh, Rooney got in a few times yesterday before we started risking it more. Just his poor touch and Di Marias inconsistent passing that let us down.
What helped was that Rooney was making runs in behind, into the chanels and stretching the play, his pace was a threat.
TBH Di Maria is one of the only players who looks for those passes

 

[Kounan]

Thats not the only issue though tbh, Rooney got in a few times yesterday before we started risking it more. Just his poor touch and Di Marias inconsistent passing that let us down.
What helped was that Rooney was making runs in behind, into the chanels and stretching the play, his pace was a threat.
TBH Di Maria is one of the only players who looks for those passes

Yeah, I do agree with this, I am just pointing out that even with RVP and Falcao, but more risk we would create more (Falcao and RVP both had to great chances against West Ham, but it happened after we started risking it more).

 

[Mrs Smoker]

Blocked by the goalkeeper?

Someone from defense actually. Guess that might be the reason why they didn't count it as a shot on goal. Silly statisticians, it was a shot on goal surely.

 

[Cassidy]

Someone from defense actually. Guess that might be the reason why they didn't count it as a shot on goal. Silly statisticians, it was a shot on goal surely.

Its only a shot on target if the goalie has to make a save, or if its cleared off the line me thinks. Getting the shot past the defender is part of getting it on target.

 

[SammyUnited_83]

The amount of coverage this 'dive' is getting is ridiculous. Fergie really did a number on some of these ABU idiots.

Yeah. Got some grief this morning and I honestly thought (and still think) it was a penalty - even with no contact.

The keeper came out with his feet and made no attempt to pull away from the tackle and got no where near the ball. Surely a dive is more of a term used for a player trying to deceive the referee that the defending player was attempting to make a challenge - in this case the keeper gave the ref very little option.

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

Look at the hype his dive is getting. Ridiculous.

I've never really disliked Rooney, even during the two Rooney-leaving sagas. I'll (possibly rightly) get slated for saying this but I understood his potential want to leave on both occasions. But regardless of all that, the more people hate/ridicule/slate him, the more I actually like/respect him. Look how much attention he gets for doing something 90% of players up and down the country do. It really is a joke.

It irritates me how people love to comment on his mistakes/errors, but the same people stay quiet when he does the good things.

 

[Getsme]

Look at the hype his dive is getting. Ridiculous.

I've never really disliked Rooney, even during the two Rooney-leaving sagas. I'll (possibly rightly) get slated for saying this but I understood his potential want to leave on both occasions. But regardless of all that, the more people hate/ridicule/slate him, the more I actually like/respect him. Look how much attention he gets for doing something 90% of players up and down the country do. It really is a joke.

It irritates me how people love to comment on his mistakes/errors, but the same people stay quiet when he does the good things.

It's because it's Rooney, the Captain of England and Manchester United, it's because they (the media) are struggling to find a stick to beat us with, it's because they know they will get hits to their shitty little links, it's because rival fans will cry conspiracy if everyone doesn't condemn him (see Roy Hodgson) it's because everyone hates us, and in truth, I'm loving the outrage it's causing.

 

[wr8_utd]

Except Rooney. Although entirely predictable that you can't see this.

Why do you even bother? We all know he can't praise Rooney for anything. He could score a hat trick and Orton would find a fault in it.

 

[Orton]

Why do you even bother? We all know he can't praise Rooney for anything. He could score a hat trick and Orton would find a fault in it.

Or maybe because people like yourself and pogue and the usual Rooney fanboy crew can't say a bad thing about him regardless of how he plays, yet a few runs against a league 1 outfit and he's the answer to all of our problems. Looking through the thread his game has been way below par all season and that's when he was playing further up top too. Even the likes of Scholes came out and said as much about Rooney peaking a few years back. He's basically our Gerrard now. Van Persie may not be as good as 2 years back but he is still a better striker than Wayne Rooney. He's been getting pelters all season from yourself and the others that don't need to be named and that's even when he's played well. It works both ways. They both need Falcao out of the way for good, as he's a hinderance to the whole side.

 

[Still ill]

Or maybe because people like yourself and pogue and the usual Rooney fanboy crew can't say a bad thing about him regardless of how he plays, yet a few runs against a league 1 outfit and he's the answer to all of our problems. Looking through the thread his game has been way below par all season and that's when he was playing further up top too. Even the likes of Scholes came out and said as much about Rooney peaking a few years back. He's basically our Gerrard now. Van Persie may not be as good as 2 years back but he is still a better striker than Wayne Rooney. He's been getting pelters all season from yourself and the others that don't need to be named and that's even when he's played well. It works both ways. They both need Falcao out of the way for good, as he's a hinderance to the whole side.

That's a mind-boggling attitude. You reckon he's fit for the MLS? Ready for pasture? Incapable of influencing the big games? A non-essential starter? We all have our favourites but that's a nonsense, buddy.

 

[dirkey]

Or maybe because people like yourself and pogue and the usual Rooney fanboy crew can't say a bad thing about him regardless of how he plays, yet a few runs against a league 1 outfit and he's the answer to all of our problems. Looking through the thread his game has been way below par all season and that's when he was playing further up top too. Even the likes of Scholes came out and said as much about Rooney peaking a few years back. He's basically our Gerrard now. Van Persie may not be as good as 2 years back but he is still a better striker than Wayne Rooney. He's been getting pelters all season from yourself and the others that don't need to be named and that's even when he's played well. It works both ways. They both need Falcao out of the way for good, as he's a hinderance to the whole side.

Rubbish. Having played in his favoured position all season long, with Rooney having spent most of his season in midfield, he has scored 2 more league goals than Rooney (I haven't bothered looking up goals in all competitions). 1 of these, was a penalty. Now, I'm not one of those who thinks Van Persie is finished, but this is just rubbish, to claim that he's better than Rooney. All evidence points to the contrary.

 

[Brwned]

Or maybe because people like yourself and pogue and the usual Rooney fanboy crew can't say a bad thing about him regardless of how he plays, yet a few runs against a league 1 outfit and he's the answer to all of our problems. Looking through the thread his game has been way below par all season and that's when he was playing further up top too. Even the likes of Scholes came out and said as much about Rooney peaking a few years back. He's basically our Gerrard now. Van Persie may not be as good as 2 years back but he is still a better striker than Wayne Rooney. He's been getting pelters all season from yourself and the others that don't need to be named and that's even when he's played well. It works both ways. They both need Falcao out of the way for good, as he's a hinderance to the whole side.

...

Great goal by him, and he is in great form, this is the Rooney I want to see.

Rooney's looking so sharp. What a finish too! That's why he should be played further up. He's such a threat.

As I've said before, it's the one thing I do thank Moyes for...getting Rooney to stay and sign another contract. Regardless of anything, he's been and is a brilliant servant to this club and has dedicated his whole career to us.... and he is vital to us. LVG has managed him very well...he really is on fire at the moment

He really is leading by example at the moment, hope he can shake off any issues ahead of the midweek fixture and keep his goalscoring run going.

MOTM. He is in terrific form. Everything was great from him tonight.

In great form for us and is growing into his role as captain.

He'll be ready for the next game. he's a tough guy who doesn't get easily injured.

Great great performances this year, and he is growing into the leader role.

Really in a lovely run of form now, hopefully he doesn't pick up any injuries or bans to break it.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

When @Sparky_Hughes is giving Rooney props, you know he's on form!

Shame there's still some caftards so blinded by their own bias they can't recognise what's happening on the pitch, right in front of their own eyes.

 

[Cassidy]

He was definately in a good run of form earlier this season, not back to his best but he had some very good games and got goals too.