In a way, it can be argued that the seemingly eternal wait for Owen Hargreaves to return from injury and United’s lack of tenacious, ball hunting defensive midfielder has increased responsibilities on Rooney as an integral part of the team. Michael Carrick’s form has been highly unremarkable this season as he very slowly recovers from the run around he experienced in the 2-0 loss to Spanish champions Barcelona two seasons ago in the Champion’s League final and Paul Scholes, although still fantastic on the day, has seen age catch up with him which just goes to show that even arguably the most talented homegrown midfielder in the past decade doesn’t have the codes to the vault of longevity apparently comfortably held by Ryan Giggs.
Rooney has always possessed fantastic vision on the field and a passing ability miles above those of most strikers in the league. With Dimitar Berbatov and young Chicarito taking the main roles as goalscorers, he has taken a deeper role, although still a striker on paper, tracking back to support and close down in the midfield, orchestrating the build-ups and acting as the fulchrum for the United attack. There have been too many a time this season where Rooney has played a 40 yard diagonal ball up to Valencia or Nani on the wing, a pass with Paul Scholes stamped all over it.
Opposition teams recognise him as such a threat lingering around the 18 yard area, defenders have a tendency to close down in numbers leaving gaps at the back cleverly exploited by young Hernandez. As a result, a partnership has developed between the two which can only get stronger next season with Rooney surely bettering his current tally of 11 assists and 11 goals.
It will be very interesting to see where Sir Alex will play Rooney in the final against Barcelona. The possibilities of revenge will be at the forefront of the players’ thoughts and perhaps Mourinho’s Real have done enough to tire out Barca both mentally and physically, with the quartet of El Clasicos in the past two months, for United to take advantage.
With the scene set, Rooney has found a new role amongst an arguably average United title winning side, but playing against the midfield partnership of Xavi and Iniesta, already between them holding an accolade of honours including Champions’ League, Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 medals, he has much to prove. Although if Rooney can drive his United side to win against Barcelona, he has then well and truly justified his spot amongst the all time greats that have played in the infamous red shirt.
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