With the current form of Wayne Rooney the main subject of
discussion among the football media, Wigan manager Paul Jewell is
rightly worried about the damage this debate could cause his own
side.
The Latics are the next domestic team in United and Rooneys sights
following the completion of the latest round of international
fixtures. Given Rooneys demolition job on Wigan in last seasons
Carling Cup final and in the league at Old Trafford, Jewell knows
his defence could be in for a backlash.
"Rooney is a brilliant footballer and, believe me, there is so much
more to this game than scoring goals, countered Jewell when
questioned about Waynes current goal drought.
"I find it amazing, but not surprising, that one of the best
players in the world is being criticised. There's nothing this lad
cannot do. He can lead the line brilliantly, he has phenomenal
strength and has a wonderful football brain. Rooney is quite simply
sensational. He has the ability to win matches
single-handedly.
"We saw for ourselves last season what he's capable of but people
can say what they like about him, the only thing he will be
interested in is wanting to know if his manager has picked him.
This applies to footballers across the board."