Tag Archives: Rooney

Rooney expects ‘tougher than ever’ race

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Wayne RooneyWayne Rooney believes this season will be the toughest Premier League title (Man Utd 12/5 in Outright market) to win, with the English top flight becoming a more level playing field.

The Manchester United frontman has won three titles during his six years at Old Trafford and admits it gets harder and harder to lift the trophy.

Rooney (5/1 to be 2010-11 Premier League top scorer) thinks it will be harder than ever to take the crown back from Chelsea this season, having missed out to the Londoners by one point last term.

The England international insisted: “Since I signed for United I think the Premier League has got progressively harder to win. I know it’s a cliché, but there are no easy games in the Premier League.”

United are going in search of a 19th top flight title, which would see them overtake near rivals Liverpool, but Rooney is under no illusions as to how hard that will be.

He added:  “The 2009/10 season was certainly the most competitive I’ve played in. Nowadays it’s hard to leave players out because every game is competitive and difficult.”

The former Everton man got his first run-out of pre-season on Wednesday night, as United demolished an Airtricity League of Ireland select team 7-1 in Dublin.

Rooney started the game up front alongside Michael Owen, playing 45 minutes but failing to get his name on the scoresheet.

Sir Alex Ferguson was happy though with Rooney’s display but admits that the striker needs to work on his fitness ahead of the new season.

Fergie stated: “He’s only been training for six days, but 45 minutes was fine for him. Six days training is not enough for a player to compete in big competitions.”

Park Ji-Sung bagged two goals for last season’s Premier League runners-up, before the fit-again Owen was on hand to double United’s advantage before half-time.

Rooney and Owen were replaced by summer signing Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov (11/2 to be Man Utd 2010-11 Top Scorer) at the break, with five more goals scored in the second half.

Korean star Park grabbed a second with Hernandez, Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans and Nani also on target.

Ferguson says Michael Carrick will miss Sunday’s Community Shield (Chelsea 11/8, Draw 11/5, Man Utd 15/8 – Match Betting) having picked up an ankle injury on Wednesday night.

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Ferguson expects Rooney improvement

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is still improving but feels the 24-year-old can become a ‘complete footballer‘ if he continues to work hard (Rooney 5/1 to be the Premier League’s top scorer in 2010/2011).

Rooney notched an impressive 34 goals in all competitions for United last season, his best ever return.  The forward’s contribution ensured United continued to push for the Premier League title until the very end, only to lose out to Chelsea, and Ferguson is delighted with his striker’s development.

“He had an improvement in terms of his timing and movement in the penalty box. His positioning also improved from the previous season,” explained Ferguson.

“He got us over 30 goals and if he does that again and adds a little bit to his game then that is what we expect.

“The boy has got an incredible armoury of talent and what we have to do is to wait for that maturity.

“We also do nurture it and try to advise and coach in a fashion which will improve his game.

“But the most important thing I think he needs now is maturity and, when he gets that, I think you will see the complete footballer.”

However, after his blistering domestic campaign the striker disappointed at the World Cup with England, with Rooney unable to find the net or make any real contribution in any of the Three Lions four games in South Africa.

The United boss has always been an advocate of a mid-season break, with Ferguson convinced fatigue played a major part in the poor showing of England – and Rooney – in South Africa.

Ferguson reiterated his calls for the Premier League to implement a winter break and feels this will only improve England’s performances in future international competitions.

“The FA has to give the country the best possible chance of doing well in the World Cup,” added the Scottish manager.

“Because of the nature of our game and because of the demands from television to have a programme every week, I have been talking about a winter break but nothing has happened.

“They must realise that, going into the World Cup, they have handicapped their team.”

Rooney shouldered the burden of scoring the majority of Manchester United’s goals last season but he will have a new striker partner in the shape of Mexican Javier “Chicharito” Hernández for the 2010/2011 campaign, while Dimitar Berbatov has impressed in pre-season.

Ferguson remains confident the Bulgarian will hit top form at Old Trafford after two years with United (Manchester United 5/2 to win the Premier League).

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Rooney tipped to bounce back

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Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that striker Wayne Rooney will not let his disappointing World Cup performance affect the way he plays for Manchester United when the new Premier League season starts next month (Rooney 5/1 – Premiership Top Scorer).

The Red Devils boss has spoken out to back his 24-year-old star player, who was singled out for criticism at the World Cup finals in South Africa as Fabio Capello’s side crashed out in the last 16 following a 4-1 mauling at the hands of Germany.

Rooney has been left out of United’s pre-season trip to the United States, which starts with a game against Celtic on Friday, to rest following the tournament.

But, while Ferguson acknowledges that the player will be disappointed with his own shortcomings, he does not think he will dwell on it in the new season as United aim to take the Premier League title back from Chelsea (United 5/2 Outright).

Ferguson told sportsnet.ca: “I don’t expect a hangover. I think there’ll still be a bit of disappointment in the lad.

“I think all the players coming back from the World Cup who didn’t do well, who didn’t reach their expectations may I say, will feel that they’ve missed something.

“That’s because the World Cup’s only once every four years. That’s the horrible part of that tournament.

“We have several players who have come back very, very disappointed. We’ve Patrice Evra for instance, Wayne Rooney of course, and Nemanja Vidic.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson is hoping that young Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will arrive at Old Trafford full of confidence after he ’surprised a lot of people’ with some of his performances in the tournament.

He added: “So whereas we’ve got some disappointments from players like Wayne, Nemanja and Patrice, I think we’re going to have a positive effect from Javier.”

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Fergie gives Rooney excuse

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes England (9/1 Euro 2012 winners) fans placed too much expectation on Wayne Rooney during the Three Lions failed World Cup campaign.

The former Everton forward was a shadow of the player who terrorised defences for United in the Premier League last season, failing to hit the net once.

While there are many reasons for England’s failure in South Africa, some are pointing to Rooney’s poor performances as a key aspect as to why their quest to regain the World Cup ended in disappointment.

England were dumped out of the tournament by Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners) in the second round as they failed to show the kind of form which had earned them so many plaudits during qualification.

Ferguson says he was not too surprised by England’s failure to bring the World Cup home but admits he thought they might perform a little better.

However, he is refusing to criticise Rooney’s performances, claiming that too many people expected too much from the 24-year-old.

Ferguson explained: “I think there was such expectation on him. There was talk he was going to be the player of the tournament.

“Don’t forget, that was the prelude to the whole thing – he was going to be the star, he was going to outshine them all – (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. So that level of expectation comes into it.

“And he’s not got great experience of [playing in] the World Cup really. You wait, in four years’ time you’ll see a different player.”

Ferguson went on to back Rooney to shine in the next World Cup in 2014 and believes England fans will see the best of the striker in a white shirt soon enough.

The United boss also went on to give his backing to the German football structure, claiming the mid-winter break in the Bundesliga looked as though it had benefitted the Germany (7/4 to beat Spain in the semi-final) side.

He believes the England set-up could learn a lot from their European counterparts and claims the mental state of the Germany squad plays a huge part in why they always seem to do so well at major tournaments.

“The history they’ve got (in Germany) is quite incredible.” he added.

“That organised mentality they have, the belief in themselves, it carries them a long way.

“Plus the fact they get a month’s rest in January – it must help. All the England team are playing in (the Premier League) so they’re all affected [by the lack of a winter break].”

Despite praising the Germans Ferguson went on to tip their arch-rivals Holland to win the World Cup overall.

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Crouch talks up Rooney influence

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Peter Crouch believes “world class” striker Wayne Rooney can be the difference between England winning the World Cup and going home from South Africa empty handed this summer (Rooney 5/2F to be Premier League top scorer at the World Cup).

Rooney is being held up as the potential saviour for the Three Lions over the next month following his sensational form for Manchester United in the season which has just finished.

His 33 goals were not enough to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to the Premier League title but his form has left many observers predicting England can enjoy real success this summer – providing he hits his top level and stays injury free.

Crouch, who is being tipped to start up front alongside Rooney against America in the Group C game on Saturday, believes the former Everton youngster could prove to be a revelation.

“It is massive for us to have someone in such great form going into the World Cup,” Crouch added.

“He has always been fantastic. A top-class player. People are saying he needs to play with another striker.

“But this season at United he has proved he can play up front on his own and still score goals.

“Wayne is world-class. He is in the top five players right now – everyone would agree with that.”

Crouch, on offer at 14/1 to be the top PL striker at World Cup, is also talking up his strike-partner as a potential World Player of the Year if he can inspire Fabio Capello’s side to glory and help England win their first major tournament since 1966.

“I think he could end up being the World Player of the Year. It would be great for England if someone could do that,” he added.

“For someone to win it would be phenomenal. You also forget how young Wayne is.

“He has achieved so much in a short time. He has a long, long way to go in his career.”

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Messi wants Rooney showdown

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Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi (Argentina 13/2 to win the World Cup) has revealed that he wants to go toe to toe with England’s Wayne Rooney in the final of the World Cup.

The World Player of the Year would relish the chance to play the Three Lions key player on the biggest stage.

Messi has had an excellent season with Barca, scoring 47 goals in 53 appearances, and wants to transfer his good form to the international scene.

England are high up on the list of teams the 22-year-old would like to face at this summer’s tournament in South Africa and Rooney is the type of player he wants compete against.

He said: “It would be great to play against Rooney, although I don’t think I would see much of him because we mostly play at opposite ends of the pitch.

“For me, England have a good balance. They look very dangerous when Peter Crouch  plays with Rooney up front. I like Steven Gerrard  and Frank Lampard,  too, but Rooney will be the key.

“It would be good to play against him in South Africa  – preferably in the final, if that is possible,” he added.

Messi is currently preparing for the World Cup with the Argentina squad before their first match of the competition against Nigeria on June 12, the same day England face the USA (England 4/9, draw 3/1, USA 6/1).

The last time Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy was in Mexico in 1986 when they beat England in the quarter-finals thanks to the infamous ‘hand of God’ goal by Diego Maradona.

Messi has been referred to as the next Maradona and will be hoping to beat the English, like his predecessor, if the teams play.

The playmaker has revealed his admiration for the England players and the Premier League.

He said:  “I know there is a lot of history between England and Argentina, but I also know our players admire the English game.

“Mentally they are strong, and they have good quality players. Capello has made them strong, I have seen them play many times on TV and I have been impressed with England.

Messi also believes that Spain, Brazil and Italy all have good chances of winning the final which takes place in Johannesburg on July 11.

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Rooney blasts injury nonsense

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England’s World Cup hopes have been handed a huge boost with the news Wayne Rooney has declared himself fit and raring to go (England 6/1 to win World Cup).

England’s chances of success in South Africa hinge on Rooney being fit and there had been suggestions he was still struggling with the ankle and groin injuries that bothered him towards the back end of last season.

The striker’s problems contributed to United’s failure to retain their Premiership crown and they could also have a devastating effect on the Three Lions if he is not on top of his game.

Rooney also picked up a neck injury against Mexico on Monday night, but he insists it is nothing serious and he will get another run out against Japan this Sunday.

“Fitness-wise I feel good,” Rooney revealed. “I have been in every training session with England since we got together. I haven’t got an ankle problem, that story’s a load of rubbish. I had a bit of a stiff neck but that should pass.

“Do players feel jaded after a long season? Of course, it’s a long season for everyone,” he stated.

“I’m quite fortunate in I haven’t trained a lot in the last six weeks. I have had a full week’s training at the England training camp in Austria and I felt good out there.

“It can sometimes be a bonus having a break during the season. Fingers crossed it will be.”

Rooney is 6/4 favourite to be England’s top goalscorer in South Africa and 10/1 to finish as the tournament’s leading marksman, with Barcelona’s David Villa 9/1 favourite.

Fabio Capello will now be hoping and praying that his side comes through this weekend’s friendly against Japan unscathed before he cuts his squad down to 23.

England are 2/7 to beat Japan in Austria but Capello will not be concerned about the result and will just be hoping nobody picks up any serious knocks.

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Can Rooney And Drogba Top the Scoring Charts In South Africa

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Drogba V Rooney Premier League 300x185 Can Rooney And Drogba Top the Scoring Charts In South AfricaDidier Drogba and Wayne Rooney fought a season long battle to finish as the Premier League’s top goal scorer. The Chelsea striker just managed to pip the Manchester United man but the two might be back in competition in less than three weeks.

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Both players will be selected as the main striker for their respective countries and if they carry their stunning form into the World Cup, each man is a good bet to win the competition Golden Boot.

Rooney and Drogba both play for teams that have every chance of having a strong competition- an essential to win the Golden Boot. England have one of the easiest groups and while the Ivory Coast are in a tough line up, they will feel it can’t be worse than the ‘Group of Death’ they endured in 2006.

This is the second successive World Cup for the Ivorians and the Elephants have been consistently one of the top African sides for the past decade. They have a group of players who have been together for some time and for the likes of Drogba- who takes huge pride in playing for the national squad- this is a final chance to make an impact in this tournament.

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Rooney is currently second favourite to be top scorer at 12/1; only the peerless Lionel Messi stands above him. It reflects Rooney’s stellar form this season and England’s status as a team expected to go deep into the knockout rounds.

Drogba is an excellent each way value bet at 40/1. The long odds reflect the fact that the Ivorians have to come through a group that includes Brazil and Portugal. However, Drogba and his team mates are well capable of taking on a Portuguese squad that struggled all through qualifying.
If the Ivory Coast do come through it will probably be thanks to goals from their star man. Judged by his late form for Chelsea, Didier Drogba looks ready to give it everything and he’s likely to take all the free kicks and penalties too.

Wayne Rooney has added to his game this season and England will be set up to allow him to roam as he sees fit. Messi may head the odds but Argentina threaten to be a dysfunctional outfit under Diego Maradona, so the England talisman could follow in the footsteps of Gary Lineker in 1986.

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Rooney reveals Premier regrets

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Wayne RooneyWayne Rooney claims Manchester United can point to seven Premier League defeats this season if they fail to clinch a fourth straight title from under the noses of Chelsea (United 7/1, Cheslea 1/12 – Premier League Outright).

The United and England frontman is set to be fit to face Stoke on Sunday as United need to win (United 1/9, Stoke 16/1, draw 7/1 – 90 Minutes) and hope that Wigan prevent Chelsea from picking up three points in their final game of the season at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea 1/10, Wigan 20/1, draw 7/1 – 90 Minutes).

However, Rooney acknowledges that a favourable outcome for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is a tall order, while suggesting that they have not been ruthless enough throughout the course of the league season.

“If we could have stayed more consistent and not lost so many games we would have won the league but we’ve lost too many games,” he told The Sun.

“We shouldn’t be losing seven games at this club.”

United did lift the Carling Cup at Wembley in March, but Rooney has also been left frustrated by their FA Cup exit at the hands of Leeds United and Champions League elimination on away goals to Bayern Munich.

Rooney added: “The FA Cup defeat to Leeds was not good enough. As for the Champions League, we were a bit unlucky considering the way we started against Bayern.

“I couldn’t see us losing that tie. But we went out on away goals and it was hard to take.”

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Rooney and Rio in contention for United

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Sir Alex FergusonWayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are both expected to be back to boost Manchester United’s title bid in Sunday’s clash at Sunderland (latest title odds: United 6/4, Chelsea 1/2 ).

The influential duo both returned to full training on Friday after shaking off injuries and Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects them to be in contention for the Stadium of Light showdown.

Ferdinand has not figured since the goalless draw at Blackburn because of a groin injury while Rooney, who appears to have got over the ankle injury he suffered against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, has also had a groin problem.

United’s leading scorer missed the win over Spurs last week but did start against Manchester City the week before and Fergie is hopeful his recent injury woes are now behind him.

“Wayne missed last week’s game against Tottenham to allow the ankle to settle,” he said.

“We don’t have any issues with that now. Hopefully he is okay.”

Ferguson will keep a close eye on the pair over the next few days but it is thought they could both start against the Black Cats as United aim to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top (United to win 2-0 – 5/1 on totesport).

“We will see how they do but we have a couple of days,” the Scot added.

Chelsea are a point clear ahead of this weekend’s fixtures but could extend that to four if they manage a win at Liverpool earlier on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville has become the latest United veteran to agree a contract extension at Old Trafford after it was confirmed he has signed a new one-year deal with the champions.

The 35-year-old follows Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in committing himself to the club until the end of next season.

The full-back has enjoyed a return to regular action in the second half of the campaign and his form has been so good he has even been mentioned as an outsider for England boss Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.

Ferguson is delighted the experienced defender has signed on although he admitted he was concerned at one point that injuries would cut his glittering career short.

“We worried about him coming back,” said the United boss.

“When you are out for 18 months in your mid-30s it is a concern.

“You don’t worry about Gary Neville’s commitment and his endeavours to get back from injury. He is more determined than any of us.”

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