Wayne pens new chapter for Ferguson
THERE’S a book in this Sir Alex. He wasn’t spotted scribbling away, but My Part in Wayne Rooney’s Revival is a good working title.
Rooney was immense last night, his fi re rekindled, his desire back, his skill and power an embarrassment to Real Sociedad when he was at his best. It didn’t need the 1,400 United fans in a specially created ‘ Singing Section’ in one corner of Old Trafford to whip up the atmosphere.
Rooney did that in just two minutes, weaving around defenders as they lined up like cones on the road- works ravaged M6 and smacking a shot against the post.
Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez was so dazzled by it he was still in shock as he put the ball in his own net.
Sir Alex Ferguson, sitting up in the manned midfi eld in the emergency. There is no doubt he is back.
The player Fergie says is the best he’s ever had, Cristiano Ronaldo, scored after just four minutes for Real Madrid in their Champions League game with Juventus.
Ferguson couldn’t save Ronaldo for Manchester United – although Real did have to wait a year through his sheer cussedness – but he might be claiming, in an additional chapter maybe, that he brought Rooney back to his best for them.
United are not what they were. The lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford is not down to apathy, even too many helpings of success under Ferguson, it’s because of uncertainty, a sucking in of breath rather than bellowing, raucous cheers, because no one is certain what the future holds.
Real Soci edad, who had not played Champions League football for 10 years and were pointless in Group A coming into this game, worried United too much, hitting the woodwork, leaving their 6,000 fans feeling badly done by.
Rooney is 28 today. There is experience and knowledge there for Moyes to build his era on.
That is what Fergie has bequeathed. Beginning at noon today, Sir Alex has a book signing to do – can you believe it’s at Tesco Extra, just down the road from Old Trafford. Not a venue for a Knight of the Realm, surely?
It is thought Rooney won’t be there. But he might be smiling.