A Manchester United fan has written an open letter to Wayne Rooney telling him to pull his socks up this season.
Following Rooney’s third disappointing World Cup and last season’s below-average Premier League campaign, Rooney has faced criticism from all sides.
Indian writer and Red Devils ‘loyalist’ Pradyumna D S made his opinions known in the letter – viewed more than 10,000 times on Asian site sportskeeda.com – just three weeks before the start of the Premier League.
He wrote: “The message to you from the fans is simple, loud and clear. Fall in line, earn your place in the side and contribute your bit to this new and important era for the club.”
“Fail to do that and you may well get booted out this time which no true United fan would like.”
Rooney may have heard the call as he has already notched up four goals in his two pre-season appearances so far, grabbing a brace in the romp against LA Galaxy as well as the 3-2 win over AS Roma on Saturday.
The £300,000-a-week striker also looks to have a new lease of life off the field and appears to be a changed man under new boss Louis van Gaal – with the pair even sharing a hug in training last week after the England international scored from a corner.
Pradyumna said fans do not want to see a ‘sulky’ Rooney this season.
He added: “What we also really wish for is the Wayne Rooney with a smile to drive the club forward like he used to, the Rooney who enjoyed playing for United and took immense pride in wearing the jersey.”
However, a disgruntled Rooney was United’s top scorer last season – banging in 17 league goals despite a seventh place finish.
With fellow front men Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie misfiring in front of goal, or out through injury, the pressure was on Rooney to provide goals.
Roy Hodgson’s men toiled in Brazil but Rooney did well to set up Daniel Sturridge for his goal against Italy, before hitting the bar with a header and tapping home against Uruguay.
Despite his Brazil exploits, Rooney did not impress the Indian.
“Sturridge was deemed a better striker and Sterling the better number 10,” said Pradyumna.
“Commiserations on your World Cup failures, Wayne.”
But none of these efforts have dimmed the memories of the striker’s two transfer requests in the Indian writer’s mind.
“It is clear you deemed it acceptable to hold the club down to ransom according to your whims,” said Pradyumna.
“Fans are clever enough to see all this and do not hold you in good regard for these actions. Your inconsistency and constant sulking has been hurting the team badly. Before the start of every season there are questions over your form, fitness and mindset.”
With Rooney set to play a central role this season under Van Gaal – as early glimpses of the Dutchman’s plans suggest he will be paired with Van Persie up front in a 3-5-2 formation – Pradyumna called on the Merseysider to play his part.
“No individual is more important than the club and every player will be expected to give his best for the team,” said Pradyumna.
Rooney will get his chance to prove his worth when the Van Gaal kicks off in earnest as United host Swansea City on the opening day of the 2014/15 Premier League season on August 16.
Visit www.sportskeeda.com/football/open-letter-wayne-rooney-manchester-united-fan to view the complete letter.
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