I dont think the problem lies with how many goals he has scored or assisted this season, the problems lies with the ways he play in a game in comparison to his first 3 seasons for us, where we saw a much more direct explosive and individualistic wayne rooney who would look to create game changing moments whenever he was in possession higher up the pitch. His reputation hampers him because of the kind of things he used to do which he doesn't anymore.
I was in the van nistelrooy forum earlier and i saw the goal where rooney runs from the half way line beating 4 men then floating a ball into ruud to smash home, against Charlton i think, and also for example the second goal on his debut against Fenebache... these show exactly the differences between now and then and the reason why people get on his back, the goals aren't the problem, although finishing the easy chances he gets would help, exploding past opposition, shooting from long range and dribbling at men to put them on the back foot is what he was famed for and are now things which he rarely does.
His goal/ assist tally may have improved, but i think the parts of his game where he excelled as a teen have slowly faded, as he become a much more rounded and experienced player.
The question is will he get it back? or is it the raw youthfulness we saw has diminished with his age? what do you guys think - will we see the bulldog spirit again?
I love rooney whatever, but seein him do what i know he can would make me that bit happier