Punters looking for value in the Premier League 2010-11 Top Goalscorer market should not dismiss Wayne Rooney’s chances of claiming the golden boot (Rooney 5/1 jf – golden boot).
The Manchester United striker made his return to pre-season in the first half of his side’s 7-1 victory over an Airtricity League of Ireland selection on Wednesday and will be determined to bury the disappointment of an abysmal tournament for England at the 2010 World Cup.
The 24-year-old failed to find the net in a summer to forget in South Africa and showed his petulance when confronted with boos at the end of the drab and uninspiring goalless draw against Algeria.
However, seasoned match-going United supporters have history with followers of In-Ger-Lund – dating back to the treatment dished out to the likes of former favourite David Beckham – so Rooney will be guaranteed all the love he needs from the Stretford End.
He may also benefit from a head start if his principal market rival and top marksman from last season, Didier Drogba of Chelsea, misses the start of the new season because of recent groin surgery.
A good indicator will be if manager Carlo Ancelotti decides to wrap the Stamford Bridge star up in cotton wool in the Community Shield.
The Ivory Coast international also failed to sparkle at the World Cup, scoring just one goal, but remains unplayable on his day and will run Rooney close even though he is now the wrong side of 30.
Rooney relished in the role of solo striker for United last season, scoring 24 Premier League goals, and only a spate of minor injury lay-offs at the back end of the domestic campaign prevented him from adding to his impressive tally and United (15/8 Community Shield winners) from possibly breaking bitter rivals Liverpool’s record of 18 domestic titles.
Punters considering Rooney should also note he is likely to retain spot-kick duties for his club.
Fernando Torres is next best at 6/1 but he looked a shadow of himself in South Africa because of injury concerns and while he has made all the right noises about staying at Liverpool, questions have been raised about whether his head may have been turned by his World Cup-winning Spain team-mates.
Robin van Persie will be dangerous if Arsenal (7/1 Premier League outright) can finally deliver on their promise but the fact that he has never managed more than 28 games in a single campaign is reflected in his price of 9/1.
Of the rest, Carlos Tevez is more of a team player and Nicolas Anelka can blow hot and cold.
It could pay to side with Rooney in the search for Premier League goals next season.
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