Case for Rooney Wearing Thin

England has not been kind to Louis Van Gaal.  The Dutchman, under such lofty expectations from the start, has failed to conjure any consistent form out of his expensive squad.  Angel Di Maria proves his worth with every appearance, Ander Herrera shines more and more, and Daley Blind ideally fits what United need.  

The results however, are not there.  Robin Van Persie has struggled with injury and poor form, Radamel Falcao has yet to open his account and improve his fitness, while Wayne Rooney is justifying his inclusion in the starting eleven less and less.  

10 years ago, Rooney was hailed by many as the next big thing in world football.  Rooney has been the face of the Three Lions for quite some time now, but that's not saying much considering the English' recent performances in major tournaments.  

Since he was named captain by Van Gaal, Rooney has struggled in his new role.  United are constantly losing focus for periods of time in matches, the Leicester outing being the perfect example.  

To his credit, Rooney was sprinting back to cover Marcos Rojo’s errant positioning in the second half on Sunday.  His reaction to the third goal however, was an indication of vulnerability and the Englishman feeling a lot of pressure.  

Rooney’s inch-perfect cross to Dean Hammond on the edge of David De Gea’s penalty area was what set up Cambiasso’s equalizer, and instead of shouldering the blame, Rooney erupted.  He is right to demand more out of his teammates, but blaming everyone seconds after shanking a clearance is no way to handle the captaincy.

It’s also evident that Juan Mata could be a better option beneath Falcao and Van Persie.  With the Colombian in the mix, Rooney is likely to find playing time in the playmaker role.  In theory, this would be ideal for the soon-to-be 29 year old.  He doesn’t have the explosive burst he once used to such great effect, but has always been an above-average passer.  

However, Rooney’s recent performances have made many question his appointment of leadership, let alone his inclusion in the side at all.  Mata, David Moyes’ 37 million pound signing, is riding the bench currently, and when put on the pitch is forced out on the wing.  

Mata is the better natural playmaker between the two, and if granted a central role would flourish.  Like Mesut Ozil, Mata is a 360 degree playmaker who prefers to have options from the middle.  His Spanish flair would suit Van Gaal’s style more than Rooney’s English heart.  With players like Di Maria, Herrera, and Falcao in the side, Manchester United are a changing club.  

The times are changing at Old Trafford; the Red Devils have their first foreign manager and a lineup now dominated by non English players.  Much has been said about Juan Mata’s poor defending and Rooney’s fastidiousness in pursuit of the ball.  Right now though, United need a change, and there is a perfectly good opportunity sitting on the bench.  

Rooney is over-applying himself and giving the impression that he is trying too hard, both in a leadership and a footballing sense.  Some time out of the starting eleven would benefit all parties involved at United.  Rooney would of course play, but not every game and not exclusively in the #10 role.  For now though, Juan Mata should be better utilized starting in the middle of the attack.