MANCHESTER UNITED’S hopes of avoiding a potentially embarrassing night in Denmark when they take on minnows Midtjylland in their Europa League Round of 32 clash have taken a hit with news that Wayne Rooney will be sidelined for at least six weeks with a knee injury suffered in his side’s 2-1 loss to Sunderland.
As the Guardian reports:
“Wayne Rooney has suffered a knee injury and is expected to return no sooner than the start of April.
It would mean Rooney will be unavailable for a minimum of six matches, including two rounds of the Europa League, should United progress, and Monday’s trip to Shrewsbury in the FA Cup fifth round.
Rooney, 30, will also be absent for England’s friendlies against Germany and Holland at the end of March, as the manager, Roy Hodgson, begins preparations for Euro 2016.”
Although the United and England skipper hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons, he had rediscovered his goalscoring form in recent weeks with seven goals in as many games.
And in a United side who have struggled all campaign to find the back of the net, it means a huge weight falls on to the young shoulders of Anthony Martial.
But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining and Rooney’s injury will surely see boss Louis van Gaal now start with Martial in the central position up front – a role many Red Devils fans have been calling for almost from the day the teenage French forward arrived at Old Trafford.
Without wishing ill on Rooney, we believe his injury could well turn into a blessing in disguise of sorts – or at the very least it should give United a good look at Martial in what surely will eventually be his permanent position.
What do United fans think? Is Martial ready to lead the attack? Or is a fit Rooney still the best bet as United’s frontline out-and-out number nine?
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Druid
Feb 18, 2016 at 8:22 pm
Martial has tremendous potential. I hope his manager is trying to find him a club and a spot where he can develop his career.