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Manchester United Fans Need To Have Faith In Wayne Rooney

Saturday was supposed to be the day that Wayne Rooney finally rallied and answered his critics. Saturday was supposed to see United’s captain, United’s number 10, United’s alleged talisman, rediscover his goal scoring touch. Saturday wasn’t supposed to end with him now goalless in 858 minutes.

And to be fair to the 29-year-old, he did find the back of the net. It’s just that, unfortunately, his goal was ruled out for offside, and it meant that his barren spell rolled on.

United’s inability to score against Newcastle United, the way that their fluidity and chances dried up as the game progressed, and Pedro’s impressive start for Chelsea all combined to increase the Old Trafford faithful’s frustrations regarding the lack of goals and creativity at the start of the season.

But what is the solution? Louis Van Gaal has insisted that he has the striking personnel in-house for United to prosper this season. In fact, to highlight his options, yesterday he re-iterated that United’s forward line doesn’t just include the misfiring Rooney, the returning Javier Hernandez, and the seldom seen James Wilson, but it also features Marouane Fellaini too.

The problem is, United fans, buoyed and then severely deflated by the Pedro saga, are adamant that’s not enough. Sure, United will probably still get into the top four with this quartet, but they’re not going to produce the free-flowing attacking football that has become synonymous with the Red Devils.

They want a signing. A big name purchase that would not only help to lift the club but it would in-turn rejuvenate Rooney. It’s just that there aren’t too many serious options out there.

Sure, Neymar and Thomas Muller would saunter into the current starting eleven, but you’re more likely to see Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson dancing the tango down East Lancashire Road than see either of those two in United red. OK, maybe not, but it’s still very unlikely.

Plus, while Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo are probably more realistic targets in the long-run, it’s now too late in the summer transfer window for either to seriously happen. Ed Woodward has reportedly insisted that United are after a bigger name than Pedro. It’s just unfortunate for him that none of them seem set on moving.

But all of these issues will soon be forgotten if one simple thing happens: Wayne Rooney scores. Let’s not forget this isn’t some footballing novice that can barely strike a ball. This is Manchester United and England’s third and joint-second leading goal-scorer – records that he will probably break this season. He knows how to find the back of the net. Well, most of the time.

It also shouldn’t be forgotten that United have only played four games this season. Sure, when coupled with his poor form at the end of last year, Rooney’s form looks diabolical. But Rooney’s has always scored in sudden spurts that then go on to last for games.

In fact, he could just be one lucky ricochet, one scuffed shot, one over hit cross, or one pea-rolling penalty away from his next streak. Until that moment though, we’re just going to have to wait, pray, and try and will for the ball to cross the line in order for it to begin.

Or dream that Woodward finds his inner Harry Redknapp and produces the mother of all later transfer window coups.

I think we can all admit that despite Rooney’s drab start the former is much more likely.