Rooney proves value to Manchester United with latest moment of brilliance

The debate over whether he is worth £300,000-a-week will rumble on - but the moment of brilliance which ensured three points at Selhurst Park was priceless to David Moyes

 

Win or lose, in glory or ignominy, this otherwise unremarkable evening at Selhurst Park was always going to be about Wayne Rooney. His latest contract saga had seen the 28-year-old labelled both savvy and unselfish as he capitalised on the nadir of Manchester United’s painful post-Sir Alex Ferguson transition to line his own pockets like never before. The next time he ventured onto a football pitch, it was inevitable that Rooney’s every action would be judged with a pointedly raised level of expectation.

In the event, he neither disappointed nor surprised. Rooney’s ability to produce moments of brilliance is one of the few parts of his heavily scrutinised game that has never been in doubt.

Rooney deserves new bumper contract, says Evra

The French full-back feels the striker's decision to commit his long-term future to Manchester United is a good sign for the club and its fans.

 

Patrice Evra says Wayne Rooney “deserves to have a big contract” after the England international signed a new deal at Manchester United.

Rooney's new deal with the club is reported to be worth £300,000 [€363,000] per week and will keep him at the club until June 2019.

The striker had previously appeared keen to leave Old Trafford, with Chelsea having two bids rejected during the summer, but defender Evra says he fully deserves his new contract.

Moyes: Manchester United don't need to be the best to win Champions League

The Scot, who saw his side beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday evening, is looking to repeat Liverpool's against-the-odds march towards glory in Istanbul in 2005


Manchester United manager David Moyes believes his side can win the Champions League this season despite their poor domestic form.

The reigning Premier League holders have put up a limp defence of their title, and are currently 15 points adrift of leaders Chelsea and scrapping just to finish in the top four.

With their chances of qualifying for Europe's premier club competition dwindling, United's best hope of retaining their Champions League status could be to win the tournament – with their march towards the final getting back underway against Olympiakos on Tuesday.