Rio Ferdinand has spoken in glowing terms of team mate Wayne Rooney and has tipped him to inspire the Red Devils to another successful season.
Despite scoring 15 goals last season and helping United to win the Premier League and the Champions League, the England striker was largely overshadowed by team mate Cristiano Ronaldo who thoroughly outscored him.
With Ronaldo’s future at United unclear and with a move to Real Madrid on the cards, Ferdinand knows should Ronaldo leave, the onus of replacing Ronaldo’s goals will fall on the United attack, and in particular on Rooney.
Rooney’s performances last season have drawn criticism from some quarters, however Ferdinand clearly feels this is unfair. Speaking to the People, he said: “I can't believe that some people were going on about Wayne not having had a great season - he scored 15 goals and had 15 assists. A lot of players would be delighted with that.”
Despite being outscored by Ronaldo, Ferdinand admitted that there was a lot more to Rooney’s game that goals and that he shouldn’t be judged on his goalscoring alone.
“When you play alongside Wazza and watch what he does in games you realise he's a special talent,” said Ferdinand before adding, “You just need to look at him running into the left-back position and making tackles.”
Out Of Position
Ferdinand also pointed to the fact that Rooney was often played out of position last season, as United at times played with only one up front.
“He had to take the responsibility of leading the line on his shoulders and he was awesome,” admitted the centre back before adding, “He played out of position a lot. He played on the left and sacrificed himself so many times for the team.”
However, it appears that this season may be different, especially if United sign Dimitar Berbatov, as has been widely reported in the press. If United do sign another striker, Ferdinand feels this can only benefit Rooney.
“I know the manager wants to see Wayne playing in his more accustomed position, just off the front,” Ferdinand confessed, “Maybe that will happen if we sign a striker and then you'll see how dangerous he can be.”
Certainly the defender feels Rooney is more effective playing up front, and he tipped him to make a big impact as United look to defend the two trophies won last season. Ferdinand concluded: “I’m confident if he is playing up front for 30 games in a season and I wouldn't bet against him doing that."
