Re-United

I’d like to start by congratulating the FA for charging and banning Wayne Rooney for his foul-mouthed celebration against West Ham. Not because I think swearing warrants a two-match ban, but because the FA managed to do the impossible by unifying Manchester United fans behind Wayne Rooney.

It’s no secret that he alienated people this season, but the FA charges are encouraging fans to defend Rooney and his actions. The public proclamation to leave United earlier this season divided supporters; but lately Rooney has rediscovered his form and for the first time since October it seems most fans are in his corner. That’s wonderful news as United pushes toward a potential Treble and we enter squeaky bum time.

We all know that Rooney asked for a transfer in October, and as he turned his back on us, we turned our backs on him. Although Rooney made a rapid U-turn and signed a new deal with United, the fans were not so quick to follow suit. It didn’t help that after holding the club ransom for a new mega-cash deal, on the field, Rooney was indifferent at best.It wasn’t just his performance that was lacking, Rooney himself looked apathetic on the pitch. But that all came to a screeching halt with the return of the passion and emotion that was missing since October; first there was the hat-trick against West Ham and then Rooney scored the defining goal against Chelsea in the Champions League. Who knew screaming a few expletives into a camera could fire up support in such a manner? As we enter the final leg of the season, fans have a new mantra – “What F**king What?!”

But back to our friends at the FA. In one swift move, they’ve united fans in support of Rooney. There are those who believe in a conspiracy theory that the FA is out to get United. While some of the FA’s actions do raise an eyebrow, I am not sold on this notion. But if it is true that the FA is out to get United by smacking Rooney with a ban, then I think their plan may well have backfired. Not only has the ban moved supporters in Rooney’s corner, it has galvanized United fans’ desire to win.
Some will say Rooney doesn’t deserve the support after the disrespect he showed our club. Without question, Rooney’s insolence was disgusting and offensive to all United fans. I’m still likely to cringe if he ever kisses our sacred badge again. Rooney will never be the club legend he could have been, but he can still play a big role in our future successes. As they say: form is temporary, class is forever. Rooney has lacked form for nearly a year, but we always knew he was a class footballer. And now he’s found his form and he’s banging in the goals once again. A good part of our chances for trophies now rests with Rooney’s ability. Yes, players like Nani, Vidic and Chicharito all impact the club, but Rooney is showing once again that he has the ability to alter a game. He did it at West Ham by bringing United back from the brink of defeat, and again at Stamford Bridge by grabbing a crucial away goal. You don’t have to like him, but if you want to see United bring home the trophies this season, it’s time to give Rooney your support (if you haven’t already done so). We were upset that Rooney put his own greed above the club. He was wrong. But the club should always be our priority, and that may mean putting aside any grudge against Rooney and backing him to lead us to glory.

Three words have never defined a season the way “What F**king What?” is definitive of United’s 2010-11 campaign. The phrase is symbolic in so many ways, particularly Wayne Rooney vanquishing his personal demons and finding that devastating form that made him a near unstoppable force this year. At the same time, it is defining of United’s performance. The people, the press, they all said we aren’t good enough. Yet, United are top of the table with the possibility of a Treble very much alive. Rooney unleashed all his personal demons at Upton Park, and the FA are trying to punish him for that. So my thanks goes out to the FA; you’ve brought all United supporters together behind a hero we had exiled. But he’s back now, we’re in his corner and United fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the silverware go home to Old Trafford. So world, “What F**king What?!”