The Centre Circle

Concerning reports this morning coming out of Old Trafford this morning. Wayne Rooney who has been in sensational form recently has been complaining that his knee is swelling up up after games. This apparently has been getting progressively worse, and was reported to have left after the Liverpool game in a lot of discomfort and visibly limping. I understand it is a tendon problem, and although it doesn’t stop him from playing at the moment, the fear is that the condition may deteriorate if it is not rested.

The problem first surfaced after the Carling Cup final at Wembley where the game was played on a quite disgraceful pitch (the pitch was ripped up after the game). I believe this is just a manifestation of the workload that Rooney has taken on his shoulders this season and the fact that Manchester United have not got any more equivalent options up front – who on earth is going to score the goals if he isn’t in the side? With Michael Owen now out for the season and Welbeck out on loan, this could leave Sir Alex Ferguson in a difficult situation and very short up front at the sharp end of the season. Does he continue with Rooney in the quest for the Premiership and Champions League double & risk more serious damage or does he rest Rooney and risk that the remainder of the team can come up with enough goals to hold off the considerable challenge of Arsenal and Chelsea? I doubt if a front line of Berbatov and Macheda, or a returning from injury Giggs will scare United’s remaining opponents this season half as much as the sight of Rooney would.

Fabio Capello must also be concerned about the news, as the Man Utd striker is key to England’s chances in the upcoming World Cup. I sincerely hope it doesn’t hamper him in South Africa, the world deserves to see Wayne Rooney firing on all cylinders.

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