Rio Ferdinand has put
European defences on red alert after expressing his view that Wayne
Rooney is now ready to flourish in the UEFA Champions League
following his midweek goal in Rome.
The Rooney that reigns supreme in the Premiership is all too often
conspicuous only by absence on the European stage, with a
two-and-a-half year goal drought testimony to his struggles away
from domestic action.
At the Stadio Olimpico, though, Rooney showed just why he is so
highly regarded with a sumptuous strike, which earned Manchester
United a crucial away goal to take into the home tie at Old
Trafford.
"I think it's a monkey off his back a little bit," Ferdinand said
in the newspaper.
"Everyone's been going on about him not scoring in Europe a
lot.
"When you have a player with Wayne's ability, people will be asking
questions if he hasn't scored for a couple of games. I was just
happy he got a goal and now he can continue to do what he's
doing."
Rooney's indifferent return in front of goal does not restrict
itself to European exertions alone, with the player's last
competitive international strike coming almost three years
ago.
Ferdinand is quick to defend his team-mate's contribution, arguing
his ability to change the course of a game with one imperious piece
of skill, more than justifies his continued inclusion.
"It makes me laugh because we go away with England and everyone is
showering him with comments and saying he's this, he's that, he's
brilliant," he added.
"Then we come back from England and he's on a downer and got no
confidence. I don't understand it.
"People sometimes need to take a step back from the situation and
have a look at it. He's been doing well for us.
"People say he has been hot and cold. When? You tell me. If he was
playing rubbish and not scoring goals, it would be a problem.
"But he's not been playing rubbish."
