I think it’s fair to say that many fans haven’t got behind Louis Van Gaal’s decision to make Wayne Rooney Manchester United’s captain.
When the Dutchman first arrived at Old Trafford, many assumed that he’d make his compatriot, Robin Van Persie captain. Instead, he belied expectations and handed the role to Rooney, a man who has made a major impact at Manchester United over the years.
The problem, I think, is that Wayne has been offering diminishing returns for the last two-or-three seasons now. The former Everton man is now 28-years-old and he’s certainly not as sprightly as he used to be. Whilst he still works hard and tracks back, a certain degree of dynamism has been sapped from his game.
His form has also been effected by his manager’s willingness to play him in the centre of the park, rather than upfront. It’s a position where you don’t get goal-scoring opportunities on a regular basis, so you tend to lose some of your edge in front of the net.
Let’s not forget how good Rooney was back in the day. In 2009/10, he found the back of the net 34 times. He repeated this feat in 2011/12. Since then however, he hasn’t scored more than 19 goals in a season. Shouldn’t a Manchester United striker be offering a little bit more?
That’s why fans were a little bemused to see him get offered a £300k-a-week contract and the captaincy of the club. As it happens, it looks like their concerns were (somewhat justified). Just look at the way he shouted at his team-mates during United’s 5-3 defeat to Leicester City. Then look at the challenge he made on Stewart Downing that earner him a red card against West Ham.
These are two foolish acts that strike me as being born out of the player’s need to stamp his mark on the side. He clearly feels the need to act like a ‘leader’ and is making rash decisions as a result of this. It’s only when he calms down and starts to lead by example (rather than by shouting at his team-mates), that he’ll earn the respect of his team-mates (and the fans and the pundits).
Until then, there will continue to be question marks over his role in the side. With Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie at Old Trafford, his place in the first team isn’t exactly secure.
One thing’s for sure. It’s going to be fascinating to watch this situation play out.
What’s your take? Is Wayne Rooney a worthy Manchester United captain?
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