Rooney can be better than Cantona for Manchester United
Yes, he can. He’s got the anger, he’s got the swagger, and he’s got the talent. The thing he has over Cantona is time, and while he might not have the wisdom, he will gain it in that time.
But enough about Rooney - on to Manchester United.
There is so much football going on that you have little time left to appreciate moments of sheer genius.
Class, it seems, is losing its shine, especially when the sheer amount of football makes quality not only possible, but also commonplace.
So for some people, Rooney’s goal today (and Larsson’s ‘goal’ that wasn’t given) will seem simple - commonplace even.
But watch it on replay, again and again, and you realise that no matter how many ‘perfect’ goals you get, you cannot afford to trivialise them.
Rooney’s second goal was special, made to look simple by it’s perfect execution, and the countless slow-mos. Actually, in hindsight, don’t watch the slow-mo - its better enjoyed in realtime, again and again.
So was Larsson’s goal that wasn’t given, when he was onside (the second one - yes, he was still in line with the last defender when the ball was played). So was United’s first goal - from Carrick to Larsson to Giggs to Rooney (was really Larsson’s goal, motivated by Carrick’s vision).
Portsmouth got a goal back thanks to Mendez, but really, the game should have been over a long time ago (two goals not given, the second one being Vidic’s header that crossed the line in the first half).
United won 2-1, and scored their first goal late, but the quality was there for everyone to see - from Carrick, from Larsson, and of course, from Rooney. Players whose quality has been questioned one time or the other this season - but players who have Manchester United written all over them (even Larsson, even if he’s here for 10-12 weeks).
Watford will be easier (Wednesday, 31st, 8pm GMT), and another 3 points will leave 13 games to go with Manchester United at least 6 points clear. 5th round of the FA Cup, Lille in the 2nd round of the CL…
For god’s sake, if a team that get’s tired in the 70th minute can do this, you have to wonder what problems do teams 12 points behind United have.
Not stamina issues, I’m sure 
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the watford game is no fore gone conclusion. they are on the back of two good wins and im sure they will be fired up for their trip to Old Trafford. unfortunatley, we do not have a divine right to win games just because we are Manchester United. this kind of complacency has cost us dearly in the past. As for Rooney, he is without question a class act and if he starts to find the net regularly the world is our oyster. lets just hope he is played in his best position and not out on the wing where he finds it difficult to shine.
Haha… not supporting Wenger’s (probably only Flamini’s) comments, but your goalscorer had fresh legs!
can you please post any links to rooney’s goal and larson’s disallowed one?
Rooney at present lacks the charisma tht Eric “the king” Cantona had, at least tht is a feeling among the non British fans…
may be in a few more years, rooney might actually make us say ooh aah roontona…as per yesterday i said “ooh aah Cantona”…
stamina jibe is crap but yes we do have the tendency to relax in the final moments and that is a issue, which i guess Sir Alex will more than address..
Rooney was diferent class, virtuoso performance.However he has to show it day in day out. I just hope he continues his good form into the watford game. As donie said it is not a foregone conclusion , just remember the Man U vs Sunderland last season. But if United play well and take their chances it shouldn’t be too hard of a game. They should win and stay 6 pts adrift.
If both Rooney and Ronaldo are on form Watford could be in for some hammering. It will also be interesting to see if Park or Heinze start.
Flash in the pan. Another Gazza in the making. All media hype with a world class game performance here and there. He will ultimately fade into one of those memories where people cant actually remember just how good he was.
another gazza? ha. no more to say on that.
I doubt rooney will play at watford unless we need him from the bench. A yellow in this game and he misses the trip to spurs. with some of the football they (well… lennon at least) have been playing, its a potential stumbling block. we need to keep it to atleast 6 points when we travel to cska london in april..
Totaly off the point BUT, was just thinking…
Imagine SAF signed Cantona “on loan” during this transfer window and we actually went on to win the Premiership. I’m sure that would have cemented Cantona as a true legend the world over forever. Just dreaming though
Have to admit something. I felt really old over the Christmas holidays when a young boy (+- 10 years old) who really love Manchester United asked me during a conversation where I mentioned him: “Who is Eric Cantona?”
Hell - Cantona and Keano coming back, i don’t think that even FM 07 will let us do that