Manchester United 0 Chelsea 0: Rooney still dominates headlines

It ended a 0-0 draw. David Moyes may probably draw a sniff of relief – so do some Manchester United’s fans and most probably Jose Mourinho. It is Moyes first game at Old Trafford since replacing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, a historic moment indeed. But Wayne Rooney is the one dominating the headline.Was the draw fair? David Moyes probably agreed – publicly. Deep down Moyes, and most United supporters know it is a miss opportunity. United by far has better chances – at scoring and playing at Old Trafford is an added advantage. Jose Mourinho looked like a man with agendas coming to this game, play without a recognized striker could mean that (1) he is ‘baiting’ Wayne Rooney with “I need a top notch striker and I haven’t got one, I don’t trust my overpriced and underperforming Fernando Torres, Lulaku is still too raw for these types of game and Demba Ba, who?, so you can see I need you and please tell your club you want to leave for me no matter what”, or (2) A point could mean a victory for Chelsea at Old Trafford since it is an emotional match where for the first time in 26 years someone other than Sir Alex Ferguson will be in charge and the emotion from the match might worked in United’s favor.

 

Overall, United’s back four perform well with Michael Carrick holding his position well. Even when Torres came on later in the game, Chelsea is still not making any sign or threats up front. The talking point here is why David Moyes opt for Ashley Young who is hardly match fit instead of Shinji Kagawa, unless of course the intention is to settle for a draw. United, if seeking victory must bring someone that can penetrate Chelsea’s defenses and putting Rooney and Kagawa in the hole may just help Robin Van Persie to open up the defense.

 

Back to Rooney where his performance is admittedly the best Manchester United’s supporters had seen for a long time, did his best professionally given the surrounding issues between him and the club. But even Rooney cannot break down the defenses hence the need for a midfielder to provide the service. Tom Cleverly did well with his energetic performance but United lack that cutting edge to provide their forward with the right passes.

 

Rooney by now realize Manchester United’s stance of not selling him and seems slowly putting his foot down for football rather than moving. His statement via his facebook account is his first publicly where he thanked the fans for their supports. It seems a player of Rooney’s stature needs emotional ‘pat on the back’ all the time. When things go well for him off field than his on field performance will be evident and vice versa. Overall a draw would be acceptable given that it is the second match of the season and with so many changes going on around Old Trafford.