By Jake Glavies
Though decimated by injuries on the defensive side, Manchester United has still found a way to the top of the Premier League standings – a feat, due in large part, to the play of striker Wayne Rooney.
Celebrating vs Hull City/photo credit: Getty Images
Currently leading the league in goals with 19, the 24 year old has been the bright spot Sir Alex Ferguson has desperately needed this season. Currently, Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent and Didier Drogba are second in the Premier League with 14 goals each.
By dispatching Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo this past summer, Ferguson put all his money on Rooney to lead the team. And boy has it paid off.
After playing second fiddle to Ronaldo for his entire career, the Liverpool native has finally become the centerpiece of the Manchester offense. Through just 22 games, Rooney has already eclipsed his past scoring mark of 16 goals set in the 2005-06 season. A four-goal performance in a 4-0 thrashing of Hull City Saturday helped elevate him from one of England’s best, to one of the world’s best – and rumor has it, a new $140 million contract is soon to follow. The stout striker did most of his damage in the second half against the Tigers, scoring three goals in the final eight minutes to seal the victory at Old Trafford.
With matches at Arsenal and Aston Villa set for the coming weeks though, Rooney will need more help at the back if he’s to keep Manchester in the top spot – a place it hasn’t been since November. The return of defender Rio Ferdinand will surely help the squad’s cause, but an end to the drama surrounding stellar center back Namanja Vidic is also a must if the team is to push ahead. Rumors of a summer departure to Barcelona – coupled with Vidic’s mysterious ailment prior to a clash with Leeds – have left United’s defense in limbo.
Despite the early-season question marks surrounding Rooney’s ability to lead United and the current issues at his back, he’s found a way to be the man at the Theatre of Dreams. Something Manchester supporters are truly happy to see.
