There is no question that Wayne Rooney has been the key difference between mediocrity and quality for Manchester United in their quest for a record 19th English league title this season. Many a times since the start of the season in August, Rooney has singlehandedly served the points on a platter to the Red Devils. His goals are singularly brilliant while every assist that he has made for his teammates have been snapped up gleefully due to the scarcity of other opportunities created by the other players. While critics have wondered if the England striker would creak under such burden on his young shoulders, Rooney has grown increasingly confident and sure of himself with each game. He might be realising now that this is now his time to become a true Manchester United legend like those that have come before him, such as Eric Cantona and Ronaldo.

Despite having let go of Ronaldo during the summer, Manchester United still remains the team to beat in the English Premier League. Much credit has to go to the willingness of Rooney to rise to the fore in leading the team. There is a quiet but intense desire from the young bulldog of a man whenever he sets foot on the pitch this season, with clear instructions from manager Alex Ferguson to destroy the opposition with his forceful running and exquisite ball skills. Since bursting onto the scene and setting it ablaze with a late winning goal to destroy Arsenal’s lengthy unbeaten run, Rooney has gone on to become the nemesis of many opposing teams. Top rivals like Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all fear him. Frequently they do not have any answer to his ability to read the game well and come up with the crucial goals. What has become their loss is simply a gain that Manchester United will delight in over and over again.