Time for Rooney to back his new boss

Davie Moyes has made an assured start to his job as Manchester United manager. Now Wayne Rooney has to step up to the plate and back his new boss.

Moyes came out and insisted the England striker is not for sale. That will surely convince Rooney that he’s wanted at Old Trafford. I believe that’s vital because he strikes me as the sort of player who needs to feel valued.

After nine years with United, I really don’t think moving to Chelsea or Arsenal would be a good idea. Having a stint abroad is still something he might do in the future, but right now he has to focus on producing his very best for the Reds.

Davie Moyes will be desperate for his team to start the season well. Trying to follow the trophy-laden reign of Sir Alex Ferguson is an enormous challenge.

The new man will come under tremendous scrutiny, with every signing, every formation and even every substitution being compared to his predecessor. Rooney’s problem is that a section of fans will hold him responsible if United don’t get off to the best of starts. They will say he has unsettled the camp for the second time by giving the impression he wants away. Nothing annoys supporters more than the suspicion that a player’s heart isn’t in the team they support with their hard-earned cash.

The heat could easily be taken out of the situation by Rooney coming out and publicly committing his future to the club. Somehow I can’t see that happening soon.

Communicating with media isn’t one of Wayne’s strong points. He should do his talking on the pitch, prove he’s worthy of a place in the team and stick the ball in the net.

That always worked for me whenever I was getting a bit of stick from home or away fans.

This situation all stems from Rooney’s desire to play in one of the striking positions and not, as he sees it, be played out of position. But he has to realise that any club where there’s not competition for a striker’s role will be a step down.

When he signed off, Sir Alex Ferguson called for everyone at United to back the new manager. Wayne Rooney has to realise that includes him, too.