Jeppers7
Pogfamily Mafia
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2014
- Messages
- 7,435
If we look at our 5 titles in 7 years from 2006-13, Rooney was the common denominator across it and was more often than not the first name on the team sheet.
It’s not untrue to say that his off field antics including the transfer requests along with the drastic decline in the last 3-4 years have tainted his legacy and brought his ranking down as a United legend. But, he is a legend and was a major part of one of the most successful United teams ever and deserves more respect than criticism thrown his way.
Also, his performance as our main striker in 2009-10 (34 goals iirc) whilst missing the last 6-8 weeks of the season was as complete a season as I’ve seen from a United striker.
On a personal level, I remember having the option to purchase a United jersey in 2007 and being conflicted between Rooney and Ronaldo. I chose Rooney thinking that Ronaldo will be the better player but Rooney will be a bigger legend for us. 12 years on, I stand by that judgment.
I think that's a little simplistic.....Rooney was as good at 18 as he was at 24/25. Ronaldo however flourished into a Ballon Dor winner and we added Vidic and Evra. Those three denominators cannot be overlooked to suggest Rooney was the key component because without Vidic, Evra or the transformation of Ronaldo.....that success wouldn't have happened. Rooney was a big part of it though I doubt he was first name on the sheet anymore than VDS, Rio, Scholes, Giggs, Ronaldo, Vidic or Evra. That was simply a great team with a great manager.