United Rant

Rooney: an argument for the left

The Prodigal Son – remarkably appropriate given the plot of the parable from which the phrase originates – returned on Saturday. Despite the sporadic chants of “Rooney! Rooney!”, the ambience was decidedly uneasy – it is unclear whether Wayne Rooney’s former hero status among the fans will ever be restored. Rooney’s thirty odd minute stint [...]

Rooney seeks to rewrite history over contract saga

Manchester United has moved to draw a line under the Wayne Rooney contract affair, with the striker appearing on in-house channel MUTV today. Stopping short of the promised apology to supporters and disingenuously claiming that he always wanted to stay at the club, Rooney now says he will be at United for the long-term. In [...]

Rooney starts as Reds seek Euro points

Wayne Rooney will make his first start since recovering from an ankle injury as Manchester United make the trip north to Glasgow. United will confirm qualification for the knock-out rounds of the Champions League with a point in the Group C fixture at Ibrox, with Rooney likely to play the full 90 against Rangers as [...]

Premier League remarkable only for its mediocrity

That Manchester United lies second, undefeated in all competitions, is remarkable in that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has barely performed to typical standards all season. Indeed, United should probably have lost four games by now but for the overwhelming determination of the Scot’s players to grind out results. Saturday’s match against Wigan Athletic was a [...]

What was your reaction to Rooney’s return?

Wayne Rooney returned to the Manchester United line-up on Saturday, appearing as a second half substitute against Wigan Athletic. The 25-year-old striker got a mixed reception from the Old Trafford crowd after he blackmailed the club into a new contract last month. What feelings did Rooney’s return inspire in you?

Video: United 2 – 0 Wigan Athletic

Reds in title hunt with victory over Latics

Wayne Rooney returned for Manchester United as the Reds cruised to victory over nine-man Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford. The routine win, courtesy of headed goals by Patrice Evra and Javier Hernández, brings United level on points with leaders Chelsea as the Londoners slumped to a second Premier League defeat in a row. Rooney came [...]

‘Big man’ returns for Wigan clash with place on bench

Wayne Rooney returns to Manchester United’s squad for Wigan Athletic’s visit to Old Trafford but will start on the bench after more than a month out injured. The striker, who spent a week at Nike’s HQ in Oregon, has trained with the first team squad this week and could feature as a second half substitute [...]

Fergie praises Barça but misses the point

Sir Alex Ferguson says that Barcelona’s model is the one to aspire to and that his dream was once to coach the Catalan side. Ideologically and perhaps most importantly – the ownership model – means Barça is a club that many Manchester United supporters admire. The clubs share a common history but a diverged present. Many aspects [...]

Rant Cast 48 – money money money

In this edition regulars Ed & Paul discuss United’s draw at Villa Park and preview the upcoming fixtures with Wigan Athletic and Rangers. We talk money with blogger Andy Green, pondering what the future holds after the Glazer family ‘paid off’ £243m in PIK loans this week. And we wonder if retirement really is for [...]

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