It's not so much the players who played, but about the mentality. I posted the following on the PL board... England vs Argentina friendly played 6 months before the 2006 world cup. We won that game 3-2 and everyone (including me tbh) thought we were the real deal. But the fact was, Argentina moved up a gear for the actual tournament and conversely we were found out massively in the actual tournament. Last night was probably us at our best, not so Germany. What we should take out of that game last night was the 2 goals we conceded. When our creativity stifles in the Euros, the porous defence will be a big liability.
I'm a firm believer that you've got to force your way back in so in the case of England that's what he has to do, not that I really give a toss if i'm absolutely honest. In United's case though it's hardly as if he has anyone to force his way past. Unless we are seriously saying that young Rashford is keeping him out!?! Assuming we do sign another striker in the summer then I think there's still a spot on the squad for Rooney back in midfield. It's not like we're blessed with a load of options, Schweinsteiger might not be seen for quite some time, if ever, and Carrick will be 37 next season. Which leaves just Herrera and Schneiderlin.
I can see Rooney being very effective if he is dropped into our midfield, particularly as there are strong rumours that Herrera may be off in the Summer, particularly if he has a good Euros. Rooney in midfield with the likes of Lingard and Memphis on the flanks and Martial with Rashford up front has a good look to it.
Have to disagree. Rooney in midfield would be a disaster. Assuming for second that we have a need for a new midfielder, why would we not buy one... seeing as we're assuming we'll buy a striker.
I thought I'd mentioned this in the post above but, to clarify, Schweinsteiger is out with another knee ligament injury and Carrick is 37 next season. Which leaves Herrera and Schneiderlin. And why would Rooney be a disaster in midfield? I know you don't like him, I get it you've said it enough times, but how do you know he would be a disaster in midfield? 30 year old former striker with a very decent passing range who can tackle but has lost a bit of pace drops back into midfield, shock.
Personally I think it would be the making of him and would certainly extend his club career in the UK. As you say he has excellent passing range and will still be good for 10+ goals each season I'm sure. Carrick is way past his use-by date, the same for Schweinsteiger, so Rooney would be a strong addition to the midfield. His deficiencies as a striker could prove to be his key strengths as a midfield player
I wouldnt say I have a dislike for him. I praise him when he plays well but there's been little to praise this season. I've even defended him in saying that his demise has been accelerated by Van Gaal's dull pedestrian football. As for Rooney in midfield, the reason I know he'll be a disaster there is bcos he has been a disaster there. Every single time he's played in CM. Last season being a perfect example. His signature cross-field hollywood pass only works so much before becoming predictable. He's not a playmaker and nor can he knit passes from defence into attack. But what I really don't get... which I was getting at earlier, is if everyone accepts we need to buy a striker to replace Rooney, why wouldnt we simply buy a midfielder to replace our midfield? He's not good enough to start in his natural position so lets risk another position for him? It's as if we're here to accommodate him somewhere on the pitch.
Well now you mention it, we don't need to. The whole premise really was on the basis of this thread generally suggesting we don't need him, I was merely surmising that should we buy a striker then there's a place for him in midfield. You're right though, maybe he just stays put as I also see no reason why he should be dismissed from his original position. He's not had a great season but he's not alone in that. Just prior to his injury he had started to score again and was playing well. He'll take a bit to get back to fitness, as is always the case, but is definitely an option next season. Either up front or in midfield!!
Maybe he can retire if there is someone who can replace him. I like him because he is a legend but sad to say he is getting old for the team.
Even Schmeichel agrees that he should drop into midfield - http://www.skysports.com/football/n...-plan-for-louis-van-gaal39s-manchester-united
Rooney is a must for Man utd but for England then there are better but he has to be on the bench as he can still produce that bit of magic when given the chance, putting him in a midfield position is a no no,
The team look lost without him. Many on here accuse Rooney of slowing the team down. Well, he wasn't playing yesterday and we were as pitifully ponderous and pedestrian as I've ever seen us. Ditto against Everton. The way we play is entirely 100% down to van Gaal and is **** all to do with Rooney. We need Rooney on the pitch, someone with experience and goals. We can't rely on Rashford and Martial to lead the attack. To say otherwise is insane to be perfectly frank.
