Wayne Rooney: Is this his year?

jojojo · 9th July 2008, 14:03

According to Rio Ferdinand:
Fittest squad member: "Wayne or Ronaldo. They’re both explosive players that could run at the same pace in the last minute of a game as they could in the first."
So presumably he's doing OK.

Though I will say, last summer the only tabloid pics I saw of Wayne was him out jogging while he was on holiday, whereas this time he's definitely had a holiday

Which might be a good idea, if it's brought him back mentally refreshed - that might matter more than any weight gain.

Kaka83 · 9th July 2008, 15:11

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.

Well said, I think you've got a point here. However I think its a combination of weight and confidence.

Rooney's first two seasons at OT were brilliant. He never scored as much because he never got in the six yard box as often as he does now. He was always lurking around the box ready to unleash a monster shot. The reason why we think his finishing is poor when it really isn't is because he's adjusting his game. He never was a poacher, but thats not to say he won't become one.

I recall Scholes moving further upfield playing behind RVN when Seba Veron arrived and many people saying it would never work and Scholes had looked a shadow of his former self. It did take him a while to adapt, and when he did, he was one of our key players in our title winning 02/03 season, scoring hat-tricks for fun. I think he finished the season with 20gls if I'm not mistaken.

Rooney will adapt, that I have no doubt, and he'll become a better all round player because of it. But during this re-adjustment he will have confidence issues, hence leading to his lack of dynamism that we witnessed in his early career. He's a little unsure of his dribbles now, wants to make less mistakes when before he used to make more. One thing that initially surprised me about Rooney when I first saw him play was how good he was with the ball at his feet. Much better dribbler than Ronnie, in that he didn't fanny about and he always made the correct choice with his dribbles. Now less so.

As for his weight, I think thats affected him in the sense that he seems to have lost the balance he once had to dribble and shrug off his marker. He seems a lot more clumsy with the ball and very unsure, whereas before he'd breeze past three players with ease without missing a step. If he were to lose a few kilo's he may regain the 1/4 yard pace he's lost and the confidence will undoubtedly return.

I'm not worried about his finishing...Henry/Trezeguet were just as bad at his age. I want the dribbling fast Rooney back!

shane · 9th July 2008, 18:49

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.

Ricky Fatton

CnutOfAllCnuts · 9th July 2008, 18:52

Really fat...

CnutOfAllCnuts · 9th July 2008, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

How many olympic track and field athletes do you see with as much body-fat as Rooney?

Bilbo · 9th July 2008, 19:11

When people say 'Is this Rooneys Year?' I wonder what exactly they mean by that. What would constitute 'Rooneys Year' exactly? 30 goals under his belt? It would be nice, but its not really what Rooney brings to the table. Winning goal in a CL final? Would be nice, but ultimately I couldn't care if it was an elderly lady scoring it, as long as she had a United shirt on. I wonder what people expect from him, and think we set his bar a little too high.

In short, Rooney is a world-class, 15-20 goal a season player that just happens to be a world-class link-up player, with world class vision and a selflessness that is commendable even as much as it might be detrimental to his own personal legacy. He is also arguably being slightly taken advantage of by his club (although I firmly believe that this will be beneficial for him in the long term). His true influence on this side is only ever really noticed when he isn't in it, as with Roy Keane. That is the sign of a brilliant player.

What Rooney needs is an injury free season. He is clearly a player that thrives on consecutive games. Always has been. As a fan, I'm always enormously frustrated to see him hit form, only to go down for three weeks with a niggly, unfortunate injury. If next season is to be that elusive injury-free campaign, I'm hugely confident that we'll see Rooney's best season of his career.

AttackingFlair · 9th July 2008, 19:22

Rooney + striker partner + no injuries = top season for him

Pogue Mahone · 9th July 2008, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnutOfAllCnuts

Yeah, good example. I'm sure your man does a lot of running.

Pogue Mahone · 9th July 2008, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnutOfAllCnuts

Really fat...

That is not the body of a professional athlete.

At least it shouldn't be.

Fergies Formula · 9th July 2008, 19:55

What he needs most above everything is to change his attitude back to what he had for the first few seasons when he burst onto the scene, the fuck off im better than you attitude, he needs to be more selfish put himself first and realize that he can take a game to opponents on his own (this is not me saying he needs to put himself over the team - the opposite he needs to utilize his talent more and force it out for the benefit of the team).

He needs to start driving at people again and forcing dribbles and shots, just like ronnie does, and like he did before, at the moment he is always looking for the pass first but his awareness is soo good even if he goes for the dribble and its not on he will still be able to release it in a positive way. This will ensure he gets his confidence back with dribbling and long shots and as far as im concerned this is all that is missing. He just needs to find his confidence in it and by actually challenging his concerns he will rise above them.

CnutOfAllCnuts · 9th July 2008, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

That is not the body of a professional athlete.

At least it shouldn't be.

Rubbish, a footballer doesn't have to be bodybuilder

Escobar · 9th July 2008, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

That is not the body of a professional athlete.

At least it shouldn't be.

Lots of world class players never had the physique of a Ronaldo

CnutOfAllCnuts · 9th July 2008, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escobar

Lots of world class players never had the physique of a Ronaldo

And Rooney has natural upper body strength, whereas Ronaldo has had to build this up in the gym.

Sarni · 9th July 2008, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnutOfAllCnuts

And Rooney has natural upper body strength, whereas Ronaldo has had to build this up in the gym.

There's no such thing, you usually build up in the gym, people are never born strong enough to be professional athletes. African players are usually stronger than Europeans because of their genetics from what I've been hearing, they find it easier to work out.

CnutOfAllCnuts · 9th July 2008, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

There's no such thing, you usually build up in the gym, people are never born strong enough to be professional athletes. African players are usually stronger than Europeans because of their genetics from what I've been hearing, they find it easier to work out.

Rooney, like all players, have obviously done physical training, including gym work. But, he is naturally stronger than Ronaldo, hence has not had to as much work on his upper strength as Ronaldo.

Nem 7 · 9th July 2008, 23:07

Rooney is as fit as Ronaldo.

Fergies Formula · 9th July 2008, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnutOfAllCnuts

Rooney, like all players, have obviously done physical training, including gym work. But, he is naturally stronger than Ronaldo, hence has not had to as much work on his upper strength as Ronaldo.

true, ronaldo is more of an athlete, rooney has more natural strength, its one of my favorite sites seeing him go shoulder to shoulder with someone and sending them to the floor

crappycraperson · 9th July 2008, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo

When people say 'Is this Rooneys Year?' I wonder what exactly they mean by that. What would constitute 'Rooneys Year' exactly? 30 goals under his belt? It would be nice, but its not really what Rooney brings to the table. Winning goal in a CL final? Would be nice, but ultimately I couldn't care if it was an elderly lady scoring it, as long as she had a United shirt on. I wonder what people expect from him, and think we set his bar a little too high.

In short, Rooney is a world-class, 15-20 goal a season player that just happens to be a world-class link-up player, with world class vision and a selflessness that is commendable even as much as it might be detrimental to his own personal legacy. He is also arguably being slightly taken advantage of by his club (although I firmly believe that this will be beneficial for him in the long term). His true influence on this side is only ever really noticed when he isn't in it, as with Roy Keane. That is the sign of a brilliant player.

What Rooney needs is an injury free season. He is clearly a player that thrives on consecutive games. Always has been. As a fan, I'm always enormously frustrated to see him hit form, only to go down for three weeks with a niggly, unfortunate injury. If next season is to be that elusive injury-free campaign, I'm hugely confident that we'll see Rooney's best season of his career.

Yes it is about scoring goals in the end. Ronaldo was the go to man in last two seasons for our attack. Scored majority of winners.
When people go on about Rooney, it is because they see the potential in him to perform on the same level as likes of Ronaldo, Messi and Kaka. Even last season, he could and should have scored 30. Perhaps Ronaldo's meteoric rise had made people a bit too impatient and we just need to give Roon more time.

Nem 7 · 9th July 2008, 23:10

Remember, players peak at different times and usually have four world class years before they start to fade.

hotshot2004 · 9th July 2008, 23:30

rooney - injuries == World class player.

Raven_Blade · 9th July 2008, 23:32

I agree with the general consensus on here.

Wayne Rooney:
+ More Freedom
+ A break from injuries
+ His favoured position
+ Better finishing

= His full potential.

Alex · 9th July 2008, 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nem 7

Remember, players peak at different times and usually have four world class years before they start to fade.

kietotheworld · 10th July 2008, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnutOfAllCnuts

Really fat...

That's from nearly a year ago, the Inter game.

Alex · 10th July 2008, 00:29

Reckon he will get at least 30 goals next year

CnutOfAllCnuts · 10th July 2008, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by kietotheworld

That's from nearly a year ago, the Inter game.

I know

kietotheworld · 10th July 2008, 00:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by CnutOfAllCnuts

I know

Don't see the relevance of it, the point being made is that he's put on weight recently.

CnutOfAllCnuts · 10th July 2008, 00:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by kietotheworld

Don't see the relevance of it, the point being made is that he's put on weight recently.

He will run that off in a week of pre-season training.

Sam#1 · 10th July 2008, 00:48

what photos has he looked fat in?

9th July 2008, 14:03	#41 (permalink)
jojojo Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: wondering if I'll ever get chance to sing Viva Ronaldo again Posts: 1,300	According to Rio Ferdinand: Fittest squad member: "Wayne or Ronaldo. They’re both explosive players that could run at the same pace in the last minute of a game as they could in the first." So presumably he's doing OK. Though I will say, last summer the only tabloid pics I saw of Wayne was him out jogging while he was on holiday, whereas this time he's definitely had a holiday Which might be a good idea, if it's brought him back mentally refreshed - that might matter more than any weight gain.

9th July 2008, 18:52	#44 (permalink)
CnutOfAllCnuts Bald Boring Cnut Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 19,528	Really fat...

9th July 2008, 19:11	#46 (permalink)
Bilbo First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,227	When people say 'Is this Rooneys Year?' I wonder what exactly they mean by that. What would constitute 'Rooneys Year' exactly? 30 goals under his belt? It would be nice, but its not really what Rooney brings to the table. Winning goal in a CL final? Would be nice, but ultimately I couldn't care if it was an elderly lady scoring it, as long as she had a United shirt on. I wonder what people expect from him, and think we set his bar a little too high. In short, Rooney is a world-class, 15-20 goal a season player that just happens to be a world-class link-up player, with world class vision and a selflessness that is commendable even as much as it might be detrimental to his own personal legacy. He is also arguably being slightly taken advantage of by his club (although I firmly believe that this will be beneficial for him in the long term). His true influence on this side is only ever really noticed when he isn't in it, as with Roy Keane. That is the sign of a brilliant player. What Rooney needs is an injury free season. He is clearly a player that thrives on consecutive games. Always has been. As a fan, I'm always enormously frustrated to see him hit form, only to go down for three weeks with a niggly, unfortunate injury. If next season is to be that elusive injury-free campaign, I'm hugely confident that we'll see Rooney's best season of his career.

9th July 2008, 19:22	#47 (permalink)
AttackingFlair Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Location Location Location ;) Posts: 2,534	Rooney + striker partner + no injuries = top season for him

9th July 2008, 19:55	#50 (permalink)
Fergies Formula Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brighton/ London Posts: 1,190	What he needs most above everything is to change his attitude back to what he had for the first few seasons when he burst onto the scene, the fuck off im better than you attitude, he needs to be more selfish put himself first and realize that he can take a game to opponents on his own (this is not me saying he needs to put himself over the team - the opposite he needs to utilize his talent more and force it out for the benefit of the team). He needs to start driving at people again and forcing dribbles and shots, just like ronnie does, and like he did before, at the moment he is always looking for the pass first but his awareness is soo good even if he goes for the dribble and its not on he will still be able to release it in a positive way. This will ensure he gets his confidence back with dribbling and long shots and as far as im concerned this is all that is missing. He just needs to find his confidence in it and by actually challenging his concerns he will rise above them.

9th July 2008, 23:07	#56 (permalink)
Nem 7 Look, I'm a cunt, can type in colour so I must be important. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Outside Right Posts: 4,687	Rooney is as fit as Ronaldo.

9th July 2008, 23:10	#59 (permalink)
Nem 7 Look, I'm a cunt, can type in colour so I must be important. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Outside Right Posts: 4,687	Remember, players peak at different times and usually have four world class years before they start to fade.

9th July 2008, 23:30	#60 (permalink)
hotshot2004 Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Promise Land Posts: 1,157	rooney - injuries == World class player.

9th July 2008, 23:32	#61 (permalink)
Raven_Blade Attention Whoring Common Crow Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Why so Serious...? Posts: 15,519	I agree with the general consensus on here. Wayne Rooney: + More Freedom + A break from injuries + His favoured position + Better finishing = His full potential.

10th July 2008, 00:29	#64 (permalink)
Alex First team crossdresser Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Park Posts: 15,851	Reckon he will get at least 30 goals next year

10th July 2008, 00:48	#68 (permalink)
Sam#1 First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ‘’Nobody panics when things go according to plan….even if the plan is horrifying! If I tell the press that tomorrow…a truckload of soldiers will get blown up, nobody panics. But when I say one little old mayor will die….everyone loses their minds!!’’ Posts: 12,842	what photos has he looked fat in?