New Delhi: What a difference twelve months make. This time last year Wayne Rooney, fresh from England's nightmare World Cup showing in South Africa, looked a tortured soul and on his way out of Old Trafford. Not only could he not find the net, not to forget he even missed a penalty against Arsenal, there were some doubting whether he could ever return to his best and many critics even said that he is finished and he should just call it a day on his English career.
Off-field controversy, where he was accused of having cheated his wife, did not help the cause either and immediately after that a breakdown in contract talks with the United hierarchy, clearly played a big part in his standards dropping to a new low. At that moment, more than at any time in his career, Rooney was in danger of losing it all. Not the money. Real Madrid or Barcelona would have paid him the money but he was in danger of losing sight of the path that Sir Alex Ferguson had laid out for him when he made such a phenomenal investment in 2004.
But then came a sensational U-turn and the so-called 'White Pele' agreed to sign a new five-year contract that will make him the highest earner at Old Trafford. As the season developed, Rooney looked stronger, fitter and showed fleeting glimpses of his old self, even if mixed with moments of madness such as his F-word rant into the TV camera at West Ham. But anyone how has seen this Red Devils striker, knows that he looks just extraordinary at this moment of time. With a proper break at the end of the last season, he looks a completely different player and finally seems to have realised his true potential.
Rooney is in the form of his life. The explosive Manchester United and England striker has scored seven goals in just four matches for both club and country. His performance for United in Arsenal 8-2 rout was phenomenal. He was at the heart of everything as he helped humiliate the Gunners – netting a hat-trick as well as playing his part in two other goals against Arsene Wenger's beleaguered side. Then came England's Euro qualifier match against Bulgaria, against whom he scored twice to help England move a step closer to Euro 2012. There was a swagger to his play on that night that was sorely missing at last summer's World Cup, and he will have England fans again wondering if next year could be their year.
Rooney's tireless work ethic and a willingness to chase almost every ball have become a hallmark of his play. Alex Ferguson admits the player has phenomenal stamina. Ferguson said: "He's always had great natural stamina, he's blessed in that respect. Rooney could play as a box to- box midfielder." Rooney uses so much energy in a game that if converted into electricity it would light an average house for 90 minutes.
Rooney was born to be a United and England player, he was born to be educated by someone like Ferguson and Capello. What he needed to do was complete his growing up and had to be groomed by someone special. Rooney was lucky that he has worked under some great mangers like Ferguson, Davidy Moyes during his Everton years, and Capello when he is on national duty. He found himself in the right place to not only continue his career but develop into a wonderful, gifted player.
The maturing of Rooney is a sight to be behold. It is one that not only United fans will glory over, but that fans all over the world will appreciate and enjoy. Rooney adds only to the Beautiful Game when, once, it might all have turned ugly for him. Now with Rooney back to his glorious best, adding the priceless touch of a master craftsman to a side bristling with quality and strength in every position, it certainly bodes well for both Manchester United and England. If he continues with this fantastic form surely he would join the elite clubs of Messis and Ronaldos. It's time for Rooney to join the stardom.
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