How do you solve a problem like Wayne?
Well you don’t if your name is Louis Van Gaal. You just ignore it and hope it will go away.
Wayne Rooney’s form has gone beyond what could be called a blip. All the evidence suggests that Rooney is in irreversible decline.
Harsh, maybe, but the Manchester United striker desperately needs some big performances in big games to change this perception.
His display in the insipid Manchester derby was appalling.
The highlight of his performance was his block on Nicolas Otamendi in the 86th minutes which prevented the Manchester City defender from getting his head on Aleksandar Kolarov’s free kick.
Not only did he contribute practically nothing, but his position as central striker meant that Anthony Martial, United’s most dynamic striker, was isolated on the left flank, unable to make any real impact on the game.
Unsurprisingly his performance drew anger from fans and a general sense of bewilderment from journalists watching the match.
Wayne Rooney is the problem that won't go away for #MUFC. No presence, slow and kept losing the ball today. A glaring weakness
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) October 25, 2015
Instead, he can't quite get there and is forced into a meek ball across. Amazing that is was a player who made his name on physical force.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 25, 2015
@MiguelDelaney @Mike_Loudmouth He still is or at least was a heavy smoker. No big mystery regarding his loss of ‘oomph’.
— Barry Glendenning (@bglendenning) October 25, 2015
Wayne Rooney passing accuracy now precisely 50%. Notice zero criticism again from good mate Gary Neville.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) October 25, 2015
Martial spending the whole game on the touchline is a crime against humanity.
— Daniel Harris (@DanielHarris) October 25, 2015
Is there ANYONE outside of Rooney's ex colleagues and a few of the press pack who can defend his continued inclusion? He's fucking dreadful
— Rory Murphy (@Rory_Tealeaf) October 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/lxndrnthrtn/status/658307058702356480
https://twitter.com/elhaydo/status/658310095563026432
Wayne Rooney is now stealing a living at United. Martial is wasted out wide and needs to be played up front. #ManchesterDerby
— bigred19 (@bigred193) October 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/sportsfanlen/status/658308405820575745
https://twitter.com/GraemeCraig12/status/658308363126722560
https://twitter.com/N4TH4N_T/status/658308335813459969
Wayne Rooney’s game by numbers vs. Man City:
55% pass accuracy
0 shots on target
0 chances created
0 take ons pic.twitter.com/5abBiivr2z— Squawka (@Squawka) October 25, 2015
