There is nobody that splits opinion among Manchester United fans quite like Wayne Rooney but, as ever, the captain responded to criticism in the only way he knows how.
Stories had emerged on the morning of the 3-0 win over Tottenham regarding him being knocked out by former red Phil Bardsley whilst the pair were boxing inside Rooney’s home but the striker had a knockout blow of his own to Spurs.
Influential throughout, Rooney was at his very best to rampage past the Tottenham defenders before slotting the ball past Hugo Lloris to make it 3-0 inside the first 45 minutes.
Rooney proceeded to mock the video by collapsing on the pitch after a knockout motion and the stories had clearly got the captain pumped up for the match.
Rooney > Falcao, Van Persie
— Samar Khan (@Samar7) March 15, 2015
I have missed this Wayne Rooney. Absolutely majestic today.
— The ManUtd Blog (@the_manutd_blog) March 15, 2015
Rooney's movement has impressed me so much. Since 2011, he has always come towards the ball. Done brilliant today
— Buscapé (@AliquaScripto) March 15, 2015
Play Rooney as a striker. That might be the easiest decision for LVG to make
— kenna (@kennagq) March 15, 2015
See what happens when you stick Rooney in his rightful position.
he comes alive
— Lou OBE(se) (@CunterburyTales) March 15, 2015
For once, it was a great all round performance from Rooney. His touch was better then usual, his passing was accurate and an outside of the boot ball to Marouane Fellaini in particular stood out. Throughout the match, he also defended inside his own box too.
Whilst supporters may rue the fact he’s been wasted in midfield for two months, he has returned to form at the most crucial point of the season for United.