The ‘Roo’ turn will have consequences, negative and positive
It comes as a shock considering it was only on Wednesday that he declared his fears for the club and the direction it was going but the news has been well received by some fans but note, only some.
In releasing his statement Rooney was deemed to have attacked the institution that is Manchester United as well as the ability of his team mates and the abilities of his manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The affect has been clear for all to see with fans demonstrating outside his house as well as posters displaying his image being defaced with chilling warnings but now he has pulled the u turn what will be the outcome?
Whilst many fans are happy it appears he has seen sense, there are still some that feel he disrespected the club with his actions this week. I am in 2 minds myself, I would be crazy to say I would be happy to see the back of a player of his quality but also the way in which he handled himself this week has definitely knocked some of the sheen off our golden boy. They say football fans are amongst the most fickle in the world and a few good performances will see this episode forgotten, I think he owes us way more than a few. After utterances like his he needs to rebuild the rapport he had, I’m expecting top performances, commitment and goals in abundance!
Following the game against Bursaspor some members of the team had some select words for Rooney, clearly indicating that they weren’t best pleased with what he had to say. I’ve always been under the impression that he is a popular figure in the dressing room so his words will have come as quite a shock but the words in response were clear as day. Rooney will need to rebuild bridges with his team mates too although this may be easier than the task he faces with the fans.
All through the situation, Sir Alex has been nothing but a gentleman in regards to Rooney. Reading Ryan Giggs’ new book I get the impression that Sir Alex has a bit of a soft spot for him so his words will have been cutting as it could have been perceived that he doesn’t have faith in Sir Alex’s ability to steer the United ship. He will have to now buckle down and work hard under Sir Alex, he must now know having had this change of heart after speaking to Sir Alex that he indeed does know best.
But enough with the doom and gloom, there are positives to take from this.
The signing will give us a lift as a team, we haven’t been firing on all cylinders and his resigning will be a boost. The fact he is out of the team for 3 weeks with an ankle injury means he will be allowed time to get back into the loop with his team mates and manager before being thrust into the limelight. Rooney is a player that raises the game of those around him and knowing that he is apparently happy to be here will have the team buzzing.
The whole saga could see the Glazers put their hands into their pockets as Rooney raised a poignant point (even though some feel he wasn’t sincere in making it) about the lack of investment. The situation has brought the issue to the forefront and now puts pressure on the Glazers to make the big signings that Rooney complained have not been made.
As I said it may take time for him to return to his previous position atop the pantheon at the club but only he can do this he has to show us that he wants to be back there and also kill rumours that he has signed to ensure we get a proper fee for him in the summer. Apologies have been made, but now the only talking we want to see is the kind he does with his feet.
In this week long chess game, again, your move Mr. Rooney.
Let’s raise a glass to today’s good news!