The FA Cup semi-final on 24th of April 2016 between Manchester United and Everton, will definitely go down in history as among the best ones. Though it might not be held in the magnitude as the one between Arsenal and United during the 1998/1999 season (Yes, where Giggs scored THAT goal!), but will maybe go down in folklore as when Anthony Martial broke through the ceiling, or when Marouane Fellaini finally gets praised by the United supporters or the one where Wayne Rooney took his first step to being cemented as a true great of modern football(confused eh?).
See also: FA Cup: Everton 1-2 Manchester United - 5 talking points
The star of the show was definitely Anthony Martial, assisting one and scoring one, that too right in the last minute of extra time. He will rightly get most of the plaudits. Marouane Fellaini also will get a lot of credit for returning to be a nuisance he generally was during his Everton days. Ohh, and De Gea, what can I say about De Gea that already hasn’t been said, the biggest compliment I can give him is that his consistency over the last two to three years is unparalleled for a goalkeeper (that includes Manuel Neuer). Right, so with that out of the way, let's address the elephant in the room, Wayne Rooney.
What he used to be
It’s been a while since he got that terrific hat-trick against Fenerbahce (almost 12 years) and though since then he has gone on to become the highest English Goalscorer in International matches, and most probably will go on to do the same for Manchester United, he's most likely never to be held in the same regard as English Greats like Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker or even Gazza.
Watching that game (vs Fener), it's easy to see why. His pace is gone, also gone is his edge which made him such a pain in the a*se. He hasn't exactly turned out to be what the English Press billed him to be (don't blame them, you won't too, just watch the highlights of the match). Comparing that Wayne Rooney and the one which started the season leaves me with a feeling of profound sadness, the kind you feel when you're wasting tacos.
But, the story isn't over yet (lucky for him). He went on from being an explosive striker, running like a spaniel all over the pitch, to a fox in the box scoring 34 goals a season to the guy whose first touch takes the ball 110 yards away. His move to midfield can lead to his renaissance, and give him the platform to potentially have his name sung by the Stretford End for ages.
His game analysed
There were a couple of doubts before the game about the position Wayne Rooney was going to play. Some people thought that United would play a 4-3-3 formation, with Wayne Rooney and Fellaini to the left and right respectively of Carrick in midfield. But, United started with a 4-1-4-1 formation with Carrick anchoring the midfield, and both Rooney and Fellaini given the licence to get into the box (or the edge of the box).
The game yesterday was a perfect example of his capability and potential in the midfield role. One thing that hasn’t changed about Wayne Rooney is his enthusiasm to contribute to the team, he’ll be at the edge of the opponents box and then he’ll run back to clear off the line. The game would have taken a very different turn if he hadn’t done the same in the 5th minute, with Cleverly waiting for a tap in.
He repeatedly arrived late at the edge of the box to take shots. He had 4 shots in total during the game. That is more shots than all but two of his United colleagues, which is commendable considering he was playing in a relatively deep midfield role. But, his biggest contribution from midfield is undoubtedly his long balls, whether it is pinging it to the right wing, or dinking it onto the feet of forwards. The highlight was his pass for Lingard shot, with Everton trying to play offside.
He’s no Paul Scholes but given time on the ball, his long passing is dangerous.
In his previous forays into the midfield role he was guilty of trying Hollywood passes every time he got the ball, but yesterday Rooney kept possession beautifully, completing 93% of his passes. He chose his moments, played intelligently, and started the attack which led to the goal in the final minute.
Wayne Rooney vs Ross Barkley
The England conundrum. Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane have been both brilliant this season, much better than Wayne Rooney. Kane has scored 24 goals in this season's Premier League, whereas Jamie has scored 22 to Wayne’s 7. I personally think if he kept playing for United in the Number 9 position, Roy Hodson would have crow-barred Rooney into the line-up somehow, ahead of those two.
The decision is made touch easier now. Dele Alli and Eric Dier are dead certain to start unless of an injury. The injuries to Wilshere and Henderson would ideally have given Ross Barkley the third starting position in midfield. Wayne Rooney will most probably play in that position in the Euro 2016 now.
During the semi-final, Wayne completed 93% of his passes to Ross’ 83, had more shots on goal, won 1 more ariel duel, got 2 more tackles right , and was dispossessed only once to Ross’ three.
His experience also adds points. It is one aspect of Wayne Rooney’s modern game which is often overlooked. Considering the fact that he is playing in an England and United team lacking the same, it is important that he uses it to guide the youngsters . His work ethic clearly sets an example for younger players, and leading by example should be his aim. Just not abusing the referee from time to time.
At least this way he gets into the team on merit.
To complete the Move into midfield
This isn't the first time of course that Wayne Rooney is playing in midfield. Sir Alex tried it, clearly convinced Wayne could contribute more in midfield as his ability to produce magic moments (No! not that one) during a match moments has reduced (which is much more clear to see right now).
LvG tried it last year, trying to accommodate all of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie and Falcao into the lineup.
So why did things stop, why did he return to be a generally average number 9 and a wannabe number 10?
English media. The uproar, when Wayne has a bad match, is mental. He doesn't score goals for a handful of games, a whole contingent of ex-players turned pundits attack the manager, the other players, the groundsmen and whoever they can think of. Wayne Rooney hears this and does his best impression of a grumpy old man, and we are brought back to the same cycle.
It is important that this doesn't happen again, he is clearly not good enough anymore to be a Center Forward for a team with the ambition of winning things. Number 10 doesn't allow him the time to play those long balls, and he keeps dropping deeper and deeper to get possession. It is clear where is future lies, he just needs to bottle that ego of his.
He needs to look no further than Ryan Giggs as an example of a similar transformation.
Sometimes Wayne Rooney is unfairly criticized and sometimes wrongly defended. It is clear that playing from the age of 16 at the top level has taken a toll on his body. Change or risk becoming a dinosaur.
The statistics and infographics are Courtesy WhoScored.com
