Good start I thought. On transfers - one of four transfer targets still to bring in, so will that be Pogba or the Mexican guy Lozano or even perhaps Matuidi as the papers suggest - clearly it can only be one from three, so the next few weeks should be interesting. Rooney to play as a 10, 9 or 8 -"you don't want him playing 50yds from goal" More good stuff here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/36413813
I would prefer not to even start with Rooney based on last season's performance. But where I may be wrong is that last season may be a one off. However, it seems like we are always having the same conversation about Rooney. His presence is more of a problem for the team than solution. I would rather have Herrera in the midfield than Rooney.
Many disagree, but I really thought we were being hamstrung playing Rooney, particularly just before Christmas when all these stupid records were up for grabs. The constant drive to make sure he had the ball, had the scoring chances........way too much focus on playing to the ego of one player - much the same problem as Portugal seem to be facing in the Euros. Once he was out of the side we played much more fluid (and less predictable) football and it was no coincidence that we played most of our football when he was out of the team.
This is where Fergie was such a strong personality. Rooney would have been sold two years if Fergie were in charge. He never fights trend of a declining player, especially at the expense of the team. This is what I'm hoping Mourinho would do as well. Rooney needs to understand that he is not the same player that he was and simply needs to let go of the ego. Same thing goes for his role in the national side. He should no longer be an automatic pick unless his form dramatically improves.
I'm delighted he's not planning on playing Rooney in midfield. This guff about him reinventing himself as a midfielder was fuelled by the media and lapped up by LVG and Hodgson. Really impressed that Jose hasnt gone the same way. I really liked Mourhino's press conference. Full of drive and ambition and a clear statement of intent.
Sounded like he really means business with us, much more controlled yet with the required arrogance to be a winner and enough humour to be likeable/human without being silly.
In all the papers is just about UTD, nothing about Liverpool or ££££. More evidence UTD are still the top team
You'll no doubt be calling for Rooney to be hanged if he doesn't play like a worldy in the first couple of games, do you really back Mourinho's stance or just his stance at not playing him at CM as it seems quite clear that he will be played? We've got a very decent side even if Pogba isn't signed. Zlat at 9, Rooney 10, Martial and Michitarin either side and a midfield two of Herrera and Schneiderlin with Carrick and Schweinsteiger as back up sounds excellent. Rashford and Lingard as able back up's, Depay possibly kicking on from last season and, I would assume, Mata and Fellaini to leave. Chuck Pogba into that mix aswell and we'd have a title challenging side.
I've always been fair with Rooney and never called for anything. I believed he was finished a year ago and tbh I havent seen anything to suggest otherwise. Having said that, I will give him the benefit of the doubt bcos LVG stifled many players and Rooney's demise was no doubt accelerated by Van Gaal's **** philosophy. I've also always said (going back 15 months on this forum) that Rooney is not a midfielder, and never will be. His best position is at 9 or 10. In fact they are his only positions. I'd actually like to see him there with the quality we have in the side and Mourinho at the helm.
