Coiled spring Rooney tipped to rock City
AnDY COLe expects Wayne Rooney to take out his pent-up frustration on Manchester City on Sunday.
The Manchester United captain is available for selection for the first time in five weeks following his three-match ban for a kick on West Ham’s Stewart Downing.
During his absence Rooney has cut a rather frustrated figure as he has watched on from the stands and Cole expects the 29-year-old will be fired up and desperate to make an impression in the Barclays Premier League encounter at the etihad Stadium.
“He has got to be raring to go,” the former United striker said. “He is a prof e s s i o n a l f o o t b a l l e r. When you miss games through injury or illness or suspension, you are going to be disappointed.
“I have no doubt he will be chomping at the bit nowandreadytogohaving missed three games.
“It’s going to be a massive boost to have a player of his quality back. Hopefully we can go to Man City and get a positive result.”
Manager Louis van Gaal defended Rooney in the wake of his dismissal, which he received for kicking Downing from behind while the West Ham midfielder was mid-sprint.
But former captain Bryan Robson has warned Rooney he must not make a habit of getting sent off because of his new role of responsibility at the club.
“The one thing Wayne has to take on board is that he’s under even more scrutiny now. We saw him get sent off recently and, as a captain, you can’t be doing that,” Robson said.
“But Wayne knows that – I spoke with him at the training ground after the incident and he’s well aware of it.
“I think he’s done that because he’s keen to impress, desperate to show people he cares. I don’t think it’ll happen again.”
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