Wayne Rooney: The Hero United Is Looking For?

United is looking for a hero to save their season and Wayne Rooney just might be their man, according to ESPN FC.

Wayne Rooney has played with Manchester United for ten years, Goal.com says and has been a controversial player that entire time. Recently, Rooney signed a five-year contract extension to remain with United until 2019, committing his future to the team. This was despite the rumors that said he was not only ready to leave the team, but he was also willing to.

Robin van Persie was the star of the United team when Rooney signed that contract and van Persie’s league-leading 26 goals in the 2012-2013 season made it seem as if Rooney was not needed. What didn’t help was that there were reports that Rooney was willing to leave United voluntarily, which made fans question not only his ability to play, but his personality as well. The fans were definitely not happy when it was reported that Rooney was talking to title rivals, Manchester City and Chelsea, even after his contract terms had been improved upon. Especially when Rooney’s contract was not just improved upon, he was made the highest earner in English football history.

At the start of the season, Rooney was called an instinctive, opportunistic striker among other things. But is the Rooney now the same Rooney who started out the season? No, Rooney is not the same player. As the season wore on, Rooney has become a versatile, creative attacking midfielder with the skill to score goals.

Some may still say that Rooney is expendable. Others disagree with that assumption. After all, it is not hard to see that Rooney has made an impact on the field this season. Throughout the World Cup qualifying, he led England with seven goals, he is tied for sixth in the Premier League with thirteen goals and ranks and second in the league with ten assists. Rooney also successfully managed all of this while he served in a new role with Manchester United.

Rooney continues to prove his adaptability and versatility as a player.

When it comes right down to it, whether or not the Red Devils make the five needed points to return them to European competition next season, may very well be in Rooney’s hands. Or, rather, in his feet.