5 reasons why Machester United are glad to get Rooney back.

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Manchester United are lucky that Wayne Rooney was only suspended, not injured. Without him this season they have lacked urgency and creativity. Here are 5 reasons why he is so vital to the defending champions.



1:  RVP needs him.



Van Persie looked rusty against Newcastle. Although he is undoubtedly a quality player, he will take time to regain full fitness and doesn't drive United like Rooney. Dropping deep to get the ball, van Persie never got a chance himself. He needs Rooney to drop deep, giving him the freedom to concentrate on being the striker.

Rooney is United's assist leader with 5 in the league. (@squawka)

2: Rooney creates goals.

With Rooney is out of the team, van Persie has to drop too deep to have a real impact

Rooney is the champions' assist leader. He has created 5 goals in the Premier League and 3 in the Champions League. The next best is Evra with 2 assists in the league, while the highest number of assists the midfield can manage is 1 each for Valencia and Januzaj. Simply, without Rooney United cannot create goals.


3: Rooney scores goals.

This season Rooney is the Red Devils top scorer in all competitions. He's scored 8 in the league and 2 in Europe. Rooney is the man creating and scoring all the goals. It is no surprise United are toothless without him. RVP has 7 in the league, but as pointed out earlier, he needs to Rooney to create the chances.


4: Rooney drives the team forward.

When Rooney picks up the ball his immediate thought is to attack. If there are no options he can retain possession. He demands to ball off his teammates and is the only one who makes things happen. He closes down defenders, chases men back, tackles and blocks shots. His commitment puts some of the other players to shame. He is ultra-competitive but surrounded by a team of pushovers. It may get him booked from time to time but it shows his passion.


5: Rooney wants the ball.

Rooney is the only player who wants the ball. Currently, United are a team of players looking to give the ball to someone else, shirking responsibility. It goes across the pitch, back to the defence;back to De Gea who's only option is a long clearance. This cycle repeats for 90 minutes unless Rooney gets the ball. The other players are too scared to do anything and are making poor decisions. It is only Rooney who is standing up to be counted. He wants to ball, is willing to try things, and won't hide behind anyone.


If the other United players don't start shouldering some of the burden placed upon their talisman then they will wear him out. A point Moyes is only to aware of. Rooney must be thankful that at least he has van Persie back to help him out. At least then their will be two pallbearers to carry the casket that is Manchester United's title defence.