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Rooney, along with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, is considered one of the elite players in the world. Prior to this year, however, Rooney was not even the best player on his own team, having played five years beside Ronaldo (the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year). With Ronaldo's high profile transfer to Real Madrid last summer, as well as Carlos Tevez‘s departure to Manchester City, many United fans came into the 2009-10 season asking themselves 'where are the goals going to come from?'.
If United were going to add a fourth consecutive Premiership title to their trophy room, Rooney would have to increase his scoring. In the years previous, Rooney's league goal totals were 11, 16, 14, 12, and 12. This year, Rooney has scored a league-best 23 goals in 27 matches. Despite Rooney's incredible form, United is second in the league behind Chelsea, including a 1-0 loss on November 8 at Stamford Bridge.
So why have United underperformed despite Rooney's breakout season? Before we answer that question lets take a look at United's second leading scorer this year. Think fast, who is it? Rooney's high profile strike-partner Dimitar Berbatov? No. Michael Owen? Not even close. As it turns out, United's second leading scorer this year is a young man by the name of . . . own goal. Before you ask, the answer is no, I did not misspell the name of some young Scottish/Brazilian attacking midfielder named Owen Gol that United snatched up last offseason. United's second leading scorer this year is 'own goal' with 10. Berbatov is next with nine. As good as Rooney has been, United are lacking in consistent scorers. The fact that United have scored 10 goals as a result of the opponent knocking the ball into their own net is very fortunate but certainly not something they can count on down the stretch.
As noted above, United have only two players with more than five goals in league play (Rooney and Berbatov). Lets take a look at the other teams at the top of the table. Chelsea have four players with more than five goals (Didier Drogba 19, Frank Lampard 10, Nicolas Anelka 8, and Florent Malouda 6) and Arsenal have five players with more than five goals (Cesc Fabregas 12, Robin Van Persie 7, Andrei Arshavin 7, Thomas Vermaelen 6, Abou Diaby 6). Unless United's midfield players such as Antonio Valencia (5 goals), Darren Fletcher (3 goals), and Michael Carrick (2 goals) can strap on their scoring boots for the final 10 games it will be very difficult for United to win the title.
If Rooney had been anything other that world class this year we would see United battling with Liverpool and Manchester City for third place instead of battling with Chelsea and Arsenal for first. Berbatov's nine goals are respectable but considering United spent £30 million on him its safe to say he has failed to meet expectations. Michael Owen has a huge incentive to score. His performance is being closely monitored by England coach Fabio Capello for possible selection in the English World Cup squad this summer. United's 3-1 loss to Everton on February 20th was a good example of what United can expect if the supporting cast does not provide scoring if Rooney is held in check. Their match with Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 6th will be a great opportunity for someone on United to close the scoring gap on the suprising Owen Gol.
Regardless of how well United finishes in the league it has been a fantastic year for Rooney. If United fail to win their domestic league but manage to win the UEFA Champions League or if England are able to win the World Cup Wayne Rooney will be a favorite for 2010 FIFA World Player of the Year.
