By Jonathan Wong
Sports Reporter
jonwong@sph.com.sg

 

GO AHEAD and say it. The British newspapers already have. Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo when you have Wayne Rooney?

WHILST the distance between the former teammates has been extended from five yards on the pitch to over 900 miles from Madrid to Manchester, the footballing space between them has narrowed.

Following his most productive season in front of goal, netting 28 times in 35 appearances so far, the Manchester United No. 10 appears to have barged out of Ronaldo's shadow.

Wayne Rooney is working hard to catch up with Ronaldo.
-- PHOTO: REUTERS

He is chasing the former United No. 7's single-season goal record of 42, though it would require another 14 goals in the 16 remaining games (assuming United make it to their third straight Champions League final).

In one respect however, he has already overtaken the Portuguese. Last Sunday’s League Cup winner was Rooney's 125th in United red. Ronaldo's tally stands at 118.

But let's forget goals for a moment (both men have scored 142 club goals in their career). Let's forget statistics (Ronaldo shades the goals-per-game ratio 0.41 to 0.40).

These are just figures. Ron versus Roon is about the intangibles, not just numbers. Hand on heart United fans, at this stage into the season with the two big ones on the line (League Cup trophies are nice but rest lightly on the mantle of history), would you not swap Rooney for Ronaldo?

The man from Merseyside probably puts most marathon runners to shame with his work rate. Even after his match-winner last Sunday, he was still making tackles at the left-back's position. Rooney, from first to last impressions, sweats effort.

It is a terrifying yet inspiring brew.

He is also improving with each passing week. His haul of nine headed goals this season suggests a new facet to his game. Before this campaign, he had scored five with his head in seven seasons.

The consummate team player, Rooney's influence has also meant United have been more prolific in front of goal. With 10 matches remaining, their return of 66 goals is significantly higher than in the previous two seasons (47 last year and 58 in 2008).

But Ronaldo, unremittingly petulant, holds the edge. His name is inexorably linked with United's recent success (three straight League titles and the Champions League). Trophies and universal acclaim, he has greedily gathered.

Ronaldo "wears confidence more sharply, more naturally".
-- PHOTO: AFP

No other player is able to control destiny with either foot as forcefully as Ronaldo. Despite Rooney's recent comments that he feels "unstoppable", it is still the Emporio Armani-draped Ronaldo who wears confidence more sharply, more naturally.

Hair slicked back, chest puffed out, powerful yet equally regal, he does not think he can change a game. He believes that, like the ball, history bends to his command.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo once wrote of Ronaldo: "One day, he'll win the ball, cross it in and head it home himself." Such has been his omniscience and omnipotence at the capital.

Despite missing six weeks of this season through injury, he has netted 19 goals in 20 appearances. Since his watershed season with United where he won the Champions League, he has scored 87 goals in 122 games. Rooney, with five games more, has scored 21 fewer goals.

Ronaldo's impact on a game, is undeniable.

And how well he strikes a ball. His deadball ability is perhaps somewhat undervalued. Yes, it brings goals (he has grabbed four already this season) but more significantly, it intimidates opposing defenders who have to check their natural instinct.

The slight misjudgement in a tackle is thereafter likely to be punished with a viciously dipping freekick. Just watch this effort against Villareal.

Rooney's reliability promises security. Ronaldo's mood can be cankerous. Yet it also conjures magic, however fleeting. The Portuguese is unique. Special. Even when compared to England's best.

As they sang in the terraces at OT not so long ago: "Come to see Ronaldo, You've only come to see Ronaldo."