Buzzin Football

The summer month’s at Old Trafford centred primarily around one man, his ambition and his very public flirting with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Obviously, anybody with any interest at all in football will know that Cristiano Ronaldo spent the summer trying desperately to fulfil his dream move and become the latest Galactico to take centre stage at ‘Circus Bernabeu’.

When news broke that Ronaldo would be staying no doubt many Man Utd fans were delighted that their genius number 7 would be staying for at least another year. His contribution of 42 goals last year enabled Manchester United to dominate in England and Europe and brought Alex Ferguson the second European Cup he so desperately craved. Now though, despite Ronaldo staying, it seems Manchester United are ready to move on with or without their star man, as, in the last few weeks it has become a case of Cristiano who?

Alex Ferguson’s summer promise to play Wayne Rooney down the middle more often this season was seen in most quarters to be a to reward for the player after his selfless exertions over the last two seasons. The decision to play Rooney up front has seen Ronaldo sent back to the wing with his tail between his legs with Rooney no longer doing the Portuguese’s leg work.

With hindsight, the ‘promise’ made to Wayne Rooney seems less of a gesture to the player and more a long term plan to cope without Ronaldo. Had Ronaldo left last summer Manchester United would have been losing their 42 goal talisman and only player who genuinely struck fear into European opponents. When Man Utd, as I am sure they will, lose Ronaldo to Madrid next summer it is likely he will not be leaving as the talisman, top scorer or only player teams worry about.

The reason for this? Alex Ferguson and Manchester United fans have Wayne Rooney. This is not, however, the Rooney of seasons gone by.

Playing Rooney up front and allowing him to play a little more selfishly has enabled him to flourish as the raw, instinctive goal scorer not seen since his days at Everton. The flashes of genius that lit up his brief first team Everton career have been increasingly infrequent for United of late.

Last night though, Rooney, as he has done consistently in the last month ran his opponents ragged. Celtic were ‘treated’ to the flair, vision and confidence of a resurgent Wayne Rooney.

Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson have allowed Wayne Rooney to play by instinct alone and last night’s performance against Celtic was exceptional. Rooney seemed to play with a responsibility and a freedom at the same time. He seems to have been given a responsibility to be the catalyst for Man Utd’s attacking ambitions and he demanded the ball all over the pitch.

Concurrently, the freedom which he is afforded has come as a result of playing as the furthest man forward and having the confidence of his manager to act as the focus for United’s fluid movement. There is a faith in Rooney as a striker. No longer is he there to hassle and chase defenders, he is now given the freedom to find space, dictate proceedings and set United into a rhythm which he controls.

So, as the season progresses expect to see Wayne Rooney relish his new found position. Not the position as striker, but his position as United’s new playmaker, goal scorer and Old Trafford’s new hero. Four years after signing at Manchester United, it seems Wayne Rooney has finally arrived.