Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney has come under the spotlight again as the team drew at home to city on Sunday. Rooney has been picked out by the fans and media for his failing performances this season. he has failed to consistently find the net even when presented with such opportunities. Against former team Everton last weekend it took three one-on-one chances before the striker could convert, giving him a conversion rate of 33% and that’s very low for a player like Rooney. United manager, Louis van Gaal has always backed the player stating that he believes the striker would hit form soon enough but the case was different after the derby yesterday. when asked about Rooney’s performances on the pitch, the manager said he was tired of answering questions concerning the English captain.
While Rooney has been finding it difficult to find the net, the exact opposite could be said about 19 year old summer spending Anthony Martial. Even though the player has been subjected to supporting roles for United so far he has never failed to deliver and that showed against city yesterday. It could be said that Martial is the only Manchester United player that was a constant threat in the match. City on the other hand had their own fault as their most creative player on the pitch was made to attack from the wing.
Considering Rooney’s performance, it is only fair that Anthony Martial be given a chance at the striking role because of his high conversion rates as we have seen. It is still unknown whether that is an option the dutch coach would be willing to accept but United’s inability to finish off games would go a long way in affecting their title campaign if not handled earl enough.