Wayne Rooney: Is this his year?

Feed Me · 9th July 2008, 10:05

We seem to do one of these every pre season. Now do not get me wrong, the lad has been a vital player for us, but I still don't feel that he has had the sort of season that he is capable of.

Injuries have been a massive element of his seemingly indifferent patches of form. I genuinely think there is a 30 goal capability in Rooney if he can stay fit throughout the season. He is brilliant when he gets on a scoring run, but he finds it difficult to go through a season without being disrupted by injury/suspension. It then takes 5 games for him to get back into the swing of things.

Surely he has had his fill of unlucky/freak injuries! I reckon that with all the limelight on Ronaldo, the scene could be set for Rooney to reclaim his mantle as the key man at United.

Come on Wayne!!!

Lizard King · 9th July 2008, 10:20

He was great in pre-season last year and I was sure he was going to have a great season but unfortunately he picked up a few injuries over the course of the season. He was still fucking brilliant though.

If he stays clear of injuries, he'll be even better.

Rooney

Successful · 9th July 2008, 10:34

He's had the whole summer to get over the marrige and relax from football so he should be hungry for another title. It would be a huge step towards being remembered as one of the really great footballers in the league if he could clinch another title this year. I said that he'd score something near +30 goals last season, which of course was said in happiness euphoria over the new season about to start. We got to remember Wayne Rooney doesn't take any penalties nor free kicks!!!!!!! He's absolutely able to reach 30 if he can stay clear of the compulsury injuries.

Ecroyd · 9th July 2008, 10:39

before his second injury, he was on a great scoring run, after that he struggled slightly, especially with his shooting his other side to his game was still just as good.

Number7 · 9th July 2008, 10:48

Needs to be more selfish.

There's a great clip of him on the 02/03 season review when he was playing for Everton against us at Old Trafford where he ran through half of our team then had his shot saved....we need to see more of his aggression at times.

Pogue Mahone · 9th July 2008, 10:49

I was gonna start a thread about Rooney, after looking at the training pictures on another thread.

I think it's fair to say he's carrying a bit of timber.

Which brings me on to my major concern. I wonder if he is working as hard on his conditioning as he could be? By all accounts, he lives to play football and would kick a ball round the place every hour in the day. But, nowadays, there's so much more to being a world-class professional footballer than what you do on the training pitch.

How many olympic track and field athletes do you see with as much body-fat as Rooney? The answer is none. In fact, the same applies to other sports which combine explosive power and endurance e.g. boxing, rugby (in the back-line, anyway), rowing etc.

Love him or hate him, Cristiano Ronaldo has always had the body and stamina of a professional athlete. And this is about much more than good genetics. I don't know if anyone remembers the report provided to Real by our (judas) fitness ex-coach. He talkes about the phenomena effort Ronaldo makes to ensure his conditioning is absolutely spot on. He doesn't drink, he sticks to a rigorous diet and he spends hours and hours in the gym.

Wazz on the other hand has never had an athletes physique and does - at times - look a bit knackered on the football pitch. He is often puffing and blowing after a few surging runs, something I've never seen Ronaldo do. You've also got to wonder about all these injuries too. If someone is carrying several kilos more bodyweight than they should, that is going to put extra stress on their joints and the fragile bones in their feet (aka the metatarsals). Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been almost bullet-proof, over the last two seasons.

And don't get me started on this whole smoking thing.

The whole "Rooney was better in his teens" shtick has been done to death and I happen to think he is a much better footballer now than he was when we first signed him. But, the older he gets, the more he will have to work on the fitness side of the game, as his metabolism slows and he loses the over-abundance of energy, testosterone and natural fitness that comes with being a teenager.

I love Rooney to bits and I do think this has the potential to be a massive season for him. But I'm a bit disappointed that he has put on that much weight and I hope he knocks the pints and pies on the head and concentrates on being the best he can be. Because then he has every chance of going on to become one of the best footballers - if not the best - ever to step out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 9th July 2008, 10:51

Stop this "will this be his year " shit please. It's becoming like Liverpool and the league title.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 9th July 2008, 10:53

And for the record, he is already a keyman at United. As key as Ronaldo. His only weakness as a player is finishing

Richter · 9th July 2008, 10:56

Don't worry Pogue. Every pre-season people complain about his added weight but it's always almost gone when the real matches start. And Rooney runs in both directions, that's why he often looks more tired than Ronaldo that only sprints if it's possible that he might end up scoring

Pogue Mahone · 9th July 2008, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richter

Don't worry Pogue. Every pre-season people complain about his added weight but it's always almost gone when the real matches start. And Rooney runs in both directions, that's why he often looks more tired than Ronaldo that only sprints if it's possible that he might end up scoring

Hehe. Good point!

Lot 49 · 9th July 2008, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Stuff about Rooney

Good post although I disagree regarding the better now than in his earlier days, he was far superior in his first two seasons than in his last two for my money.

Anyway wether he will have a great season or not depends imo on his fitness and how we use him, his natural ability can't be questioned.

I'll probably cry if he does his metatarsal again btw.

brophs · 9th July 2008, 11:08

I dunno, Pogue, I think you're being a bit harsh on him here. I agree with some of the points you are making(the smoking, mainly), and he does look a bit heavier than he did, but a good pre-season will more than shift that. The lad's had a big season, just gotten married, and probably feels entitled to let his hair down a little.

Also, the Ronaldo comparison isn't particularly fair. He has a much more naturally athletic physique/build than Rooney, and the amount of work they do to stay in their respective shapes, is probably quite similar, despite the wildly differing results.

I also don't particularly agree that Rooney looks unfit at times on the pitch, he is always one of the players who keeps on running, and will be chasing down lost causes in the last minutes of a game. He also doesn't have the luxury of not being expected to track back, as Ronaldo does, so again, I'm not sure the comparison is completely valid.

As for the rest of it, hard to disagree. He needs to focus on his game now, the time has come for him to take some of the pressure off Ronaldo, because I'm absolutely convinced that he can be an even more important player for this club, if he does the right things on and off the pitch.

rooney__10 · 9th July 2008, 11:12

He could improve his first touch and finishing and he could retain the ball more as he doesn't keep it as much as he should. If he does this he'll get better.

VoetbalWizard · 9th July 2008, 11:15

yes. 30 goals, bank on it.

Richter · 9th July 2008, 11:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoetbalWizard

yes. 30 goals, bank on it.

Tbh I don't care about how many goals he scores. I just want the 2005/2006 season Rooney back.

Tumbling-Dice · 9th July 2008, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

Stop this "will this be his year " shit please. It's becoming like Liverpool and the league title.

Spot on.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 9th July 2008, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richter

Tbh I don't care about how many goals he scores. I just want the 2005/2006 season Rooney back.

He has been around all along. Especially last eyar. The only thing clouding people realising this is Ronaldo's heroics and Rooney's poor finishing.

Parks Life · 9th July 2008, 11:24

Same, plus I don't think he'll ever be a consistent 30 goals a season striker. Though he may have the odd season.

As long as he's getting around 18 - 24 goals and playing great for the team then I'm more than happy. He normally ends up near the top of the assists charts as well.

When you think how poor he was in the CL for two straight seasons, he's improved a hell of alot.

My only worry with him is the injuries, he seems to have one or two every season that leaves him out for 4 - 6 weeks and it seems to always be just as he is hitting top form, like last season.

Pogue Mahone · 9th July 2008, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

He has been around all along. Especially last eyar. The only thing clouding people realising this is Ronaldo's heroics and Rooney's poor finishing.

This whole thing about Rooney being a poor finisher is blown up out of all proportion and has become a self-perpetuating myth.

Yes, his finishing was poor - at times - last season. But this was just a symptom of his overall malaise, in terms of form. When a player is struggling for form, their confidence inevitably gets affected and without confidence, strikers will miss chances they could usually convert in their sleep.

When Rooney is playing at his very best his finishing, along with every other aspect of his game, is world class.

reddevilcanada · 9th July 2008, 11:33

Don't agree with the fitness aspect of Rooney's game, his physique may not be as athletic as Ronaldo's but that doesn't stop him from playing his heart out. Same thing with Tevez, he looks to be fat for a footballer, but he outruns anybody on the pitch. I think the major problem with rooney this past two seasons has been his injuries and the subsequent dip in form and confidence. I remember Rooney was his old self in the beginning of the 06/07 season, he scored two goals and set up another two in the first game against Fulham, he was fantastic, but then he was suspended and then injured...when he came back from his injury he was awful in quite a few games and seemed to have lost all his confidence, it took him towards the last third of the season to kick into gear and give us that performance against Milan at OT. That's why I really hope he stays away from any injury or stupid suspensions, because he isn't his best for a while when he comes back to play.... However, I've got a good feeling this year for both Wazza and Tevez, both have had a good rest and they'll be raring to go....The sight or our two pitballs and Ronaldo charging at the opposition is making me horny again, can't wait for the season to start

Rowem · 9th July 2008, 11:35

Play him deeper, behind a goalscorer, and Rooney could still potentially be the best player in the world.

Lot 49 · 9th July 2008, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richter

Tbh I don't care about how many goals he scores. I just want the 2005/2006 season Rooney back.

Ditto.

05/06 Rooney was one of the three best players in the whole premiership imo, he was a god.

Richter · 9th July 2008, 11:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

This whole thing about Rooney being a poor finisher is blown up out of all proportion and has become a self-perpetuating myth.

Yes, his finishing was poor - at times - last season. But this was just a symptom of his overall malaise, in terms of form. When a player is struggling for form, their confidence inevitably gets affected and without confidence, strikers will miss chances they could usually convert in their sleep.

When Rooney is playing at his very best his finishing, along with every other aspect of his game, is world class.

I don't think it's anything wrong with his finishing. This is a guy that can chip the ball over David James from 30 yards. He just needs more composure when he gets a great chance. Sometimes it seems like he has no idea if he is going to chip the ball over the goalie or just slot it calmly into the right corner, that's when he usually ends up shooting it straight at the keeper.

Pogue Mahone · 9th July 2008, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richter

I don't think it's anything wrong with his finishing. This is a guy that can chip the ball over David James from 30 yards. He just needs more composure when he gets a great chance. Sometimes it seems like he has no idea if he is going to chip the ball over the goalie or just slot it calmly into the right corner, that's when he usually ends up shooting it straight at the keeper.

When he's struggling for form I think he over-complicates his finishing, he thinks about it too much. He's so talented that he can finish in a number of different ways but this sometimes means he delays for a split second too long, while he's considering his options.

When he's fit and firing he finishes instinctively. And his instinctive finishing is superb.

Jarmon · 9th July 2008, 11:41

His time will come aswell...He is still young and learning, and I cant see saf leaving before Rooney gets his season

Striker10 · 9th July 2008, 11:47

I don't mind if he's put on a little to be honest. The lad we bought 4 years ago was a stocky sod and was excellent. He's deceptively quick. I don't want a slimline Rooney, I think it's part of his make up.

I thought up until the injury against reading, he was brilliant - aside from missing a chance he'd usually tuck away. I think he'll score a fair few, I can't see him missing as many 1 on 1's as he did.

We know what Rooney can do, hopefully he can go injury free all season. He's had a run of injuries the last 2/3 seasons to his foot and it's annoying.

Feed Me · 9th July 2008, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

I was gonna start a thread about Rooney, after looking at the training pictures on another thread.

I think it's fair to say he's carrying a bit of timber.

Which brings me on to my major concern. I wonder if he is working as hard on his conditioning as he could be? By all accounts, he lives to play football and would kick a ball round the place every hour in the day. But, nowadays, there's so much more to being a world-class professional footballer than what you do on the training pitch.

How many olympic track and field athletes do you see with as much body-fat as Rooney? The answer is none. In fact, the same applies to other sports which combine explosive power and endurance e.g. boxing, rugby (in the back-line, anyway), rowing etc.

Love him or hate him, Cristiano Ronaldo has always had the body and stamina of a professional athlete. And this is about much more than good genetics. I don't know if anyone remembers the report provided to Real by our (judas) fitness ex-coach. He talkes about the phenomena effort Ronaldo makes to ensure his conditioning is absolutely spot on. He doesn't drink, he sticks to a rigorous diet and he spends hours and hours in the gym.

Wazz on the other hand has never had an athletes physique and does - at times - look a bit knackered on the football pitch. He is often puffing and blowing after a few surging runs, something I've never seen Ronaldo do. You've also got to wonder about all these injuries too. If someone is carrying several kilos more bodyweight than they should, that is going to put extra stress on their joints and the fragile bones in their feet (aka the metatarsals). Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been almost bullet-proof, over the last two seasons.

And don't get me started on this whole smoking thing.

The whole "Rooney was better in his teens" shtick has been done to death and I happen to think he is a much better footballer now than he was when we first signed him. But, the older he gets, the more he will have to work on the fitness side of the game, as his metabolism slows and he loses the over-abundance of energy, testosterone and natural fitness that comes with being a teenager.

I love Rooney to bits and I do think this has the potential to be a massive season for him. But I'm a bit disappointed that he has put on that much weight and I hope he knocks the pints and pies on the head and concentrates on being the best he can be. Because then he has every chance of going on to become one of the best footballers - if not the best - ever to step out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.

Good post Pogue.

I agree that he looks overweight in the training photos. It is natural that players of his ilk will come back in pre season in need of some trimming. The whole wedding thing will have not aided his cause.

I agree that his conditioning is not brilliant. Whilst each professional player should take an individual responsibility for his condition, it does disappoint me that the club are not doing more to get him on the right track.

Looking at the season review DVD, Rooney looked really lean at the start of the season. He looks awful in comparison now.

Feed Me · 9th July 2008, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

And for the record, he is already a keyman at United. As key as Ronaldo. His only weakness as a player is finishing

Pretty big weakness for a forward.

You seem to want to stifle debate with your one line denials. This is a discussion forum!

There is no doubting that Rooney can produce more. No need to go on the defensive.

Escobar · 9th July 2008, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lot 49

Ditto.

05/06 Rooney was one of the thre

9th July 2008, 10:05	#1 (permalink)
Feed Me bobbobray - hits women. Big man Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Berbatov has Cantona’s knack of being the man amid a stampede towards the door who stops to notice a side exit that nobody else has seen. Posts: 9,038	Wayne Rooney: Is this his year? We seem to do one of these every pre season. Now do not get me wrong, the lad has been a vital player for us, but I still don't feel that he has had the sort of season that he is capable of. Injuries have been a massive element of his seemingly indifferent patches of form. I genuinely think there is a 30 goal capability in Rooney if he can stay fit throughout the season. He is brilliant when he gets on a scoring run, but he finds it difficult to go through a season without being disrupted by injury/suspension. It then takes 5 games for him to get back into the swing of things. Surely he has had his fill of unlucky/freak injuries! I reckon that with all the limelight on Ronaldo, the scene could be set for Rooney to reclaim his mantle as the key man at United. Come on Wayne!!!

9th July 2008, 10:20	#2 (permalink)
Lizard King Join Date: May 2007 Location: Anderson's hair Posts: 12,044	He was great in pre-season last year and I was sure he was going to have a great season but unfortunately he picked up a few injuries over the course of the season. He was still fucking brilliant though. If he stays clear of injuries, he'll be even better. Rooney

9th July 2008, 10:34	#3 (permalink)
Successful Straight Guy Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: On top of the league Posts: 2,792	He's had the whole summer to get over the marrige and relax from football so he should be hungry for another title. It would be a huge step towards being remembered as one of the really great footballers in the league if he could clinch another title this year. I said that he'd score something near +30 goals last season, which of course was said in happiness euphoria over the new season about to start. We got to remember Wayne Rooney doesn't take any penalties nor free kicks!!!!!!! He's absolutely able to reach 30 if he can stay clear of the compulsury injuries.

9th July 2008, 10:39	#4 (permalink)
Ecroyd Strangely aroused by Lizard King Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: next door Posts: 2,180	before his second injury, he was on a great scoring run, after that he struggled slightly, especially with his shooting his other side to his game was still just as good.

9th July 2008, 10:48	#5 (permalink)
Number7 Ret's Slave Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 21,440	Needs to be more selfish. There's a great clip of him on the 02/03 season review when he was playing for Everton against us at Old Trafford where he ran through half of our team then had his shot saved....we need to see more of his aggression at times.

9th July 2008, 10:49	#6 (permalink)
Pogue Mahone Dr Death wasting tax payers money on the Caf all day Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: "As relaxed and natural on the park as a dog chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind" Posts: 12,208	I was gonna start a thread about Rooney, after looking at the training pictures on another thread. I think it's fair to say he's carrying a bit of timber. Which brings me on to my major concern. I wonder if he is working as hard on his conditioning as he could be? By all accounts, he lives to play football and would kick a ball round the place every hour in the day. But, nowadays, there's so much more to being a world-class professional footballer than what you do on the training pitch. How many olympic track and field athletes do you see with as much body-fat as Rooney? The answer is none. In fact, the same applies to other sports which combine explosive power and endurance e.g. boxing, rugby (in the back-line, anyway), rowing etc. Love him or hate him, Cristiano Ronaldo has always had the body and stamina of a professional athlete. And this is about much more than good genetics. I don't know if anyone remembers the report provided to Real by our (judas) fitness ex-coach. He talkes about the phenomena effort Ronaldo makes to ensure his conditioning is absolutely spot on. He doesn't drink, he sticks to a rigorous diet and he spends hours and hours in the gym. Wazz on the other hand has never had an athletes physique and does - at times - look a bit knackered on the football pitch. He is often puffing and blowing after a few surging runs, something I've never seen Ronaldo do. You've also got to wonder about all these injuries too. If someone is carrying several kilos more bodyweight than they should, that is going to put extra stress on their joints and the fragile bones in their feet (aka the metatarsals). Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been almost bullet-proof, over the last two seasons. And don't get me started on this whole smoking thing. The whole "Rooney was better in his teens" shtick has been done to death and I happen to think he is a much better footballer now than he was when we first signed him. But, the older he gets, the more he will have to work on the fitness side of the game, as his metabolism slows and he loses the over-abundance of energy, testosterone and natural fitness that comes with being a teenager. I love Rooney to bits and I do think this has the potential to be a massive season for him. But I'm a bit disappointed that he has put on that much weight and I hope he knocks the pints and pies on the head and concentrates on being the best he can be. Because then he has every chance of going on to become one of the best footballers - if not the best - ever to step out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.

9th July 2008, 10:51	#7 (permalink)
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football Fanatics Central..Equator branch Posts: 19,430	Stop this "will this be his year " shit please. It's becoming like Liverpool and the league title.

9th July 2008, 10:53	#8 (permalink)
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football Fanatics Central..Equator branch Posts: 19,430	And for the record, he is already a keyman at United. As key as Ronaldo. His only weakness as a player is finishing

9th July 2008, 10:56	#9 (permalink)
Richter Hairy big footed Swede Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Trying to burn down Marca's office Posts: 25,021	Don't worry Pogue. Every pre-season people complain about his added weight but it's always almost gone when the real matches start. And Rooney runs in both directions, that's why he often looks more tired than Ronaldo that only sprints if it's possible that he might end up scoring

9th July 2008, 11:08	#12 (permalink)
brophs Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: "Say what you want about America, thirteen bucks still gets you a helluva lot of mice." Posts: 3,546	I dunno, Pogue, I think you're being a bit harsh on him here. I agree with some of the points you are making(the smoking, mainly), and he does look a bit heavier than he did, but a good pre-season will more than shift that. The lad's had a big season, just gotten married, and probably feels entitled to let his hair down a little. Also, the Ronaldo comparison isn't particularly fair. He has a much more naturally athletic physique/build than Rooney, and the amount of work they do to stay in their respective shapes, is probably quite similar, despite the wildly differing results. I also don't particularly agree that Rooney looks unfit at times on the pitch, he is always one of the players who keeps on running, and will be chasing down lost causes in the last minutes of a game. He also doesn't have the luxury of not being expected to track back, as Ronaldo does, so again, I'm not sure the comparison is completely valid. As for the rest of it, hard to disagree. He needs to focus on his game now, the time has come for him to take some of the pressure off Ronaldo, because I'm absolutely convinced that he can be an even more important player for this club, if he does the right things on and off the pitch.

9th July 2008, 11:12	#13 (permalink)
rooney__10 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,212	He could improve his first touch and finishing and he could retain the ball more as he doesn't keep it as much as he should. If he does this he'll get better.

9th July 2008, 11:15	#14 (permalink)
VoetbalWizard Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,177	yes. 30 goals, bank on it.

9th July 2008, 11:24	#18 (permalink)
Parks Life Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,236	Same, plus I don't think he'll ever be a consistent 30 goals a season striker. Though he may have the odd season. As long as he's getting around 18 - 24 goals and playing great for the team then I'm more than happy. He normally ends up near the top of the assists charts as well. When you think how poor he was in the CL for two straight seasons, he's improved a hell of alot. My only worry with him is the injuries, he seems to have one or two every season that leaves him out for 4 - 6 weeks and it seems to always be just as he is hitting top form, like last season.

9th July 2008, 11:33	#20 (permalink)
reddevilcanada First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,670	Don't agree with the fitness aspect of Rooney's game, his physique may not be as athletic as Ronaldo's but that doesn't stop him from playing his heart out. Same thing with Tevez, he looks to be fat for a footballer, but he outruns anybody on the pitch. I think the major problem with rooney this past two seasons has been his injuries and the subsequent dip in form and confidence. I remember Rooney was his old self in the beginning of the 06/07 season, he scored two goals and set up another two in the first game against Fulham, he was fantastic, but then he was suspended and then injured...when he came back from his injury he was awful in quite a few games and seemed to have lost all his confidence, it took him towards the last third of the season to kick into gear and give us that performance against Milan at OT. That's why I really hope he stays away from any injury or stupid suspensions, because he isn't his best for a while when he comes back to play.... However, I've got a good feeling this year for both Wazza and Tevez, both have had a good rest and they'll be raring to go....The sight or our two pitballs and Ronaldo charging at the opposition is making me horny again, can't wait for the season to start

9th July 2008, 11:35	#21 (permalink)
Rowem Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,283	Play him deeper, behind a goalscorer, and Rooney could still potentially be the best player in the world.

9th July 2008, 11:41	#25 (permalink)
Jarmon Reserve Team Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On Chuck Norris lap Posts: 812	His time will come aswell...He is still young and learning, and I cant see saf leaving before Rooney gets his season

9th July 2008, 11:47	#26 (permalink)
Striker10 First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,989	I don't mind if he's put on a little to be honest. The lad we bought 4 years ago was a stocky sod and was excellent. He's deceptively quick. I don't want a slimline Rooney, I think it's part of his make up. I thought up until the injury against reading, he was brilliant - aside from missing a chance he'd usually tuck away. I think he'll score a fair few, I can't see him missing as many 1 on 1's as he did. We know what Rooney can do, hopefully he can go injury free all season. He's had a run of injuries the last 2/3 seasons to his foot and it's annoying.