Wayne Rooney: Time to Move On

Wayne Rooney arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2004. He arrived under the weight of the highest ever fee for a teenager at the time. Since then, Rooney has gone on to win every major honor for United. He is currently the most prolific goal scorer in club history, and his legend status has long since been cemented, However, it is time for us all, Rooney included, to accept it is time to move on.

Wayne Rooney’s arrival at United was met with the customary skepticism. He was a young player brimming with raw talent, but largely unproven at the top level. United paid, £25.6 million to secure his services to the surprise of many. Such money is commonplace nowadays, but 12 years ago, it was a huge deal especially for a teenager. At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson assured the public that Rooney would prove a shrewd piece of business. He was confident that Rooney’s performances on the pitch would justify the fee, and he would help lead United to greater heights. Even so, I do not believe even Sir Alex envisioned Rooney would have been as successful as he has been.

To his credit, Rooney did not waste much time silencing the doubters. He made his debut the UEFA Champions League. He scored a hat trick in a 6-2 mauling of Fenerbache, and never looked back. Rooney’s first season at United was not successful in terms of silverware. United finished third in the league, lost in the League Cup semi-finals to Chelsea, and lost a penalty shootout in the FA Cup finals to Arsenal. However, it was a great rookie campaign for Rooney who finished as United’s top scorer in the league with 11 goals.

Rooney’s second season with United yielded his first trophy with the team. He scored twice in the 2005-06 League Cup final, as United ran out 4-0 winners over Wigan Athletic. The 2005-06 season was also Ruud van Nistelrooy’s last with the team. For five season’s he had been United’s leading striker and main goal threat. Sir Alex Ferguson later revealed in his autobiography that van Nistelrooy wanted to win now. He was not interested in waiting for Rooney and Ronaldo to develop. Needless to say, his departure created a huge void in the team.

Rooney and Ronaldo both stepped up as they fired Manchester United to their first league title in three years in the 2006-07 season. From here, Rooney and Ronaldo were off to the races. They were the driving force behind a three year spurt of dominance for United. United captured three consecutive league titles, a Champions League title, a League Cup, and a Club World Cup. Rooney was dynamic and relentless. He often spearheaded United counter attacks, combining with Ronaldo for countless goals. He chased lost causes, tracked back on defense, and ran defenders ragged. Rooney was a constant goal threat, the ultimate competitor, and the perfect teammate. He embodied everything good about Manchester United. A true Manchester United player.

When Ronaldo departed after the 2008-09 season, it was Rooney who was left to carry the load. He was the loyal son who was determined to keep winning at United. To his credit, Rooney did not disappoint. He fired United to another Premier League crown and a League Cup. He also led them to another Champions League finals berth, where they once again fell to Barcelona. Rooney consistently upped his game, and in 2011 was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI. There was less talent around Rooney than in previous seasons, but United were always competitive. When Robin van Persie joined United in the 2012-13 season, he and Rooney propelled United to yet another league title. I believe this was Rooney’s last hurrah.

Since then, Rooney has been a shadow of himself, and has gradually regressed as the years have worn on. A legitimate argument could be made that David Moyes and Louis van Gaal both contributed to his decline. Moyes seemed to be clueless on how to run the team, and turned a team who had just been crowned champions into a lackluster side. He failed to attract talent to join Rooney, and could not inspire the team the way Sir Alex Ferguson had before him. Louis van Gall was equally culpable albeit for different reasons, He implemented a dull and archaic brand of football and placed little emphasis on attacking. From the outside, he appeared to rule by intimidation, and creative players were suppressed. Robin van Persie lasted a season under van Gaal. Angel di Maria was shipped off to Paris, a year after United purchased him for a British record  £59.7 million. Even Memphis Depay failed to find his footing under the tutelage of van Gaal who was supposed to be his mentor.

While the points above are to be acknowledged, Rooney is blameless. The eye test will tell you Rooney is far from the player he once was. He lacks the raw speed, power, and drive he once did. His touch is sloppy, and his decision making is questionable at best. His movements are labored, and he has lost the ability to beat defenders. He looks like a man who has lost confidence and belief in his abilities. Perhaps the biggest indictment against Rooney is the lack of attention he seems to pay to his fitness and conditioning. His game was always largely predicated on his physical attributes. He simply could not afford a large drop off from a physical standpoint. Cristiano Ronaldo should serve as a perfect example of this. This season he is noticeably a step slower. He cannot speed past defenders with the ease he once could. However, he is falling from such absurd heights, that he is still able to produce at an elite level despite this regression. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney is already unquestionably a Manchester United legend. His impact on the history of the club is undeniable. He has both the silverware and the personal accolades to prove it. He has meant everything to the club and its fans for the past decade. This is precisely why I believe he should move on. His role at the club will only continue to diminish. On the pitch, he has little left to offer in terms of production. There is no sense in sticking around, when he is far from his best self. If he feels he has more to offer, there are many teams who would be delighted to have his services. i do not believe Rooney would be doing any damage to his legacy by making such a decision. He gave Manchester United his best years, and will be remembered for that. If he chooses to stick around, he can only do his legacy harm. Hopefully, Manchester United can win the Europa League and send Rooney off with some silverware. He deserves to go out a winner.