Wayne Rooney has 20 goals in the Premier League this season. That is great return for this stage of the season. In fact, in his last 14 games he has 14 goals in all competitions. He truly is in some the best form of his life. So do United depend on him too much? The simple answer is no. United have always been a team that relys on every man on the roster. The more accurate statement would be to say something along the lines of, "Manchester United over reliant on Wayne Rooney to score goals". While he does his fair share of defending this has been the backbone of the United team. Defense has won them their last three premier league titles. This season has been a little different. They have had quite a few injuries and a plethora of pairings in that backline. Don't even put Foster back there or its squeaky bum time for the whole 90 minutes. Manchester United has had either the best or second best defense in terms of goals conceded the last 3 years. It is no coincidence they also have a title for each of those seasons. Expect their defense to get better as they recover from injury and get a consistent back four playing game in and game out.
Let us turn our attention to the players that have a role to play for United that doesn't translate into starting every week. Darren Fletcher is the only player besides Van Der, Ferdinand, and Rooney to have a permanent place in the team. The key is that the subs and other players who come in to play do it exceptionally well. Take the older players. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and even Gary Neville have all played a part. Obviously Giggs and Scholes get the most accolades as they seem to be playing better and better as the season goes on. They don't score as many goals as they used to but they still contribute in terms of possession and pass selection. They aren't the only ones getting it done. Nani has been a different player after his little spat with Sir Alex Ferguson late last year. Park has been playing well since returning from injury and got a goal. Then you have Antonio Valencia who has been scoring regular goals this season. Something he failed to do during his time at Wigan. In the back line, there is Johnny Evans filling in for Rio or Vidic whenever injured or the Da Silva twins filling in at right back. United would not be challenging for the title without these players. It is a credit to Sir Alex that he keeps them all happy and ready to go.
Lasts few years it was Ronaldo who was United's saving grace. I mean without him they wouldn't have won the league 3 times. Just like Rooney I agree that they may be a big part. Maybe the biggest part of the success at United, however, it could be said about anyone in the team. Take out Van Der Sar and they don't win the title. Take out Giggs and they don't win the title. Yes, take out Rooney and they don't win the title. Someone had to step up to score the goals Ronaldo provided and Rooney is doing it. If you want a real example of over reliance on a single player look no further than Liverpool and Torres. United get the job done because everyone plays an integral part. It just so happens that this year it is Rooney who finally gets to be the man in the spotlight.
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