Manchester United has survived the departure of World Football Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, but there is one player that Sir Alex Ferguson's side would be lost without, and that is Wayne Rooney.
Rooney was labeled the savior of English football since he burst on the scene at 17 years of age, and six years on he has not disappointed for either club or country.
As a boyhood Everton fan, Rooney has said that he loves United and will play for United as long as club wants him.
It is almost certain that he will one day wear the captain's armband for the Reds. Its quite amazing to see how much he has matured since his first season. When he first arrived at the club in August 2004 for a reported £28 million, he was a raw talent, but did he ever ooze with potential.
Ferguson was willing to wait another year to secure his services, but a Newcastle bid prompted United to act quickly and capture the player on final day of the summer transfer window.
Rooney quickly settled in, and made his United debut and netted an impressive hat trick at Old Trafford.
In his sixth season with United, he has already made 243 appearances, which ranks him 77th all-time. If he stays healthy, he has the chance to
What is most impressive statistic about Rooney is that he is rarely substituted. The only time he has ever been substituted when United were losing or level was against Everton because Sir Alex Ferguson was worried he was going to be sent off.
A New Roo
He recently tallied his 102nd goal for United against Arsenal, which is quite impressive seeing that he is only in his six season with United. Until this season, he has lived under the shadow of Ronaldo, but now he has the load on his shoulders.
He has started the 2009/10 season with real purpose and has scored five goals from five matches.
It is widely publicized that he wanted to be United's main man and wanted to play through the middle and has yet to disappoint in his new roles.
Sacrifice
Rooney has always sacrificed his own wants for the team, but this year - and years to come - he will serve as a talisman.
United's No. 10 has almost played in every position for Sir Alex, because he simply loves the game. Even though he does not look it, his fitness is one of his best attributes.
If Rooney goes down with an injury of any sort, Manchester United will struggle with their title ambitions this season - it's that simple!
