Why didn't Chelsea go after Rooney?

[Salama]

I'm not trolling, but I have to ask why didn't Chelsea look at Rooney as a partner for Drogba?

Kezman,Gudjonsson,Mutu and Cole are all very capable starting strikers and superb backups, but with Forssell on loan for the year (and now injured), Rooney would have been perfect for your team.

I feel Chelsea have done well in getting Drogba, but that they need a really special striker to be the best team in England, and there just aren't that many who aren't already at top clubs (Sheva,Adriano,Ronaldo,Henry,Etc...).

[the_baron]

I think Rooney just wanted to stay in the North West.

[lobomojo]

I think Rooney just wanted to stay in the North West.

I rate Rooney as the real deal, but perhaps even if he did not want to stay north, I am not sure if all the star distraction, would fit in well with the way JM likes to run a team and add enogh to the team as a whole to have made it worth while.

[nicephoras]

1. Its one game folks. I'm not going to deny Rooney's a great talent (see below), but its been one home game against a Turkish CL team. No Turkish team aside from Gala has ever made it past the CL group stages. There's a reason for that.
2. We weren't looking to buy a talented youngster. Rooney is very talented, there is no doubt there. But what Mourinho was clearly looking for was a player who could lead our line day in and day out. A player who had done so before. Drogba had an excellent season a year ago, and also two years ago. He had a proven track record in European competitions, specifically, which must have made him more attractive to Mourinho. Could Rooney hav filled that role? No. Not because he doesn't have the talent, but because he has yet to take such a role for the team. He is young, and Moyes kept moaning about not starting him (despite starting him all the time), and his Premiership form was hardly the stuff novels are composed about last year. He was good, but hardly great. United have the luxury of integrating him into a side with a world class finisher (Ruud) and several good, but not great strikers (Smith and Saha) while he matures. We did not have that luxury, as neither Eidur, Kezman nor Mutu were ever going to be players who are leading our line. Would I have traded Mutu for Rooney? In a heartbeat. But that wasn't on the cards with Mutu's desire to stay, so it was Drogba or another player of his caliber - Sheva, Adriano (the one striker I really wish Chelsea had bought), etc.

So, that's why we don't have Rooney.

[the101er]

Maybe because Megabucks Chelsea don't "swoop in on every deal that poor little old Manchester United tries to make and ruin it." :(

Mebbe, Chelsea aren't a bunch of fat babies. :confused:

[CrisRicHeldTiago]

Mourinho had the ultimate say on who to sign.

Rooney is an 18 yr old with a fiery bad temper. Mourinho also is very vocal.

Mourinho has enough smarts to realize that signing Rooney could be the downfall of his own job. There would be loads of fireworks between these two at some point in the season, and the press would have a field day. That wouldn't be good for the team and Mourinho's first yr at the helm.

Mourinho hasn't always showed patience with younger guys. He typically goes with the tried and true and veterans. Just look at Porto...Derlei, Alientchev, Maniche, Costinha, Jorge Costa, Vitor Baia, etc.

[PokerNSoccer]

Chairman Kenyon said there would be no more summer spending or winter spending after you(chelsea) bought Tiago from (Benfica,or Porto).Even Manager Mourinho hinted that he might curb spending like the way he did during his first summer in charge,http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=223355&CPID=8&CLID=8&lid=&title=Mourinho+may+curb+spending

[Andy Bennett]

I rate Rooney as the real deal, but perhaps even if he did not want to stay north, I am not sure if all the star distraction, would fit in well with the way JM likes to run a team and add enogh to the team as a whole to have made it worth while.
Well I'm not sure I agree he doesn't add enough because he has the potential, even over the next year or so, to add a tremendous amount to any side. Simply put, goals win games, and the kid's one of the greatest prospects in world football in that department. About the only guy I've seen who was in the same league at his age, (older actually), was Ronaldo... that's the Brazilian one BTW. To be absolutely honest Ronaldo wasn't as good as Rooney at his age.

Having said all that I absolutely agree that he wouldn't be a 'good fit', for want of a better phrase, for Mourinho's Chelsea. Mourinho specifically doesn't want 'stars' which I believe he thinks detracts from a team 'ethos'.

Hey, if he can come up with 'methodology' I can come up with 'ethos'

[ZANI]

Rooney has not really been tested against good oppositions, but from what I saw of him, he would strenghen Chelsea's front line especially when it comes to punishing kamikaze defenders which are plenty in EPL.
The free kick was off the hook. I hope he fluked that one.

[Andy Bennett]

Rooney has not really been tested against good oppositions,

Well, he's still only 18 but he's played, (and played well), against France, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, etc. for the national side and against ManU, Arsenal, Chelsea, etc for his old club and now Fenerbahce for ManU.

I agree it's not a very long career so far but it's not true to say he hasn't been etsted against good opposition.

... punishing kamikaze defenders which are plenty in EPL.
What?

[lobomojo]

Well I'm not sure I agree he doesn't add enough because he has the potential, even over the next year or so, to add a tremendous amount to any side. Simply put, goals win games, and the kid's one of the greatest prospects in world football in that department. About the only guy I've seen who was in the same league at his age, (older actually), was Ronaldo... that's the Brazilian one BTW. To be absolutely honest Ronaldo wasn't as good as Rooney at his age.

Having said all that I absolutely agree that he wouldn't be a 'good fit', for want of a better phrase, for Mourinho's Chelsea. Mourinho specifically doesn't want 'stars' which I believe he thinks detracts from a team 'ethos'.

Hey, if he can come up with 'methodology' I can come up with 'ethos'

I don't think I put it well, so to split the hair with a meat cleaver, on the pitch I think you are right Rooney would add, score and play tremendously as the back/link striker. Though some cite his only fair record at Everton, I think it will make a huge difference when he plays with other players at his level like at ManUre, Arse or here, both from a similer speed of understanding and play as well as he won't be the one guy that the defense focuses on and marks heavily with multiple players.

However I rate Gud high in that role and though the upside is not as high on the pitch on a pure talent level, the potential risk of a crash, coach conflict or blow up, health, diminished team spirit or inconsistency is lower with Gud I think. Once Gud and Drogba develop a better understanding, and they looked a lot closer to it yesterday, I think they will be a special strike team. Also Kezman, once he scores and relaxes a bit, I think will fit in nicely and score a fair amount goals, as will Robben.

So I am saying that even beyond not being a good fit with JM; the extra that he brings to the pitch, given that we are already pretty talented won't out weigh the press and side show, especially if he ever sat or there was a spat with JM or another player, a raunchy night out in soho, etc.

Though I am not sure if I am talking 'methodology' or 'ethos, I will leave that to you and JM :), or utter ^"&"& nonsense, probably nonsense because before he sold his soul to the devils I was secretly hoping we would swoop in and grab him.

All that said I can't wait for him to play for England, where there is no doubt he should start and preferably with DeFoe.

[Liverpool_SC]

Because they ran out of scouts in their Top Secret Scouting Program (Championship Manager) and they had the filter selected to show ONLY SCOUTED PLAYERS.

Plus, the guys at SIGames had not updated his attributes to reflect his performance at Euro 2004.

You guys just missed him. You got everyone else on your 'shortlist'.

[ZANI]

Well, he's still only 18 but he's played, (and played well), against France, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, etc. for the national side and against ManU, Arsenal, Chelsea, etc for his old club and now Fenerbahce for ManU.

I agree it's not a very long career so far but it's not true to say he hasn't been etsted against good opposition.?He wasn't all that last season. The reason he played for England was because he was up against Heskey and Vassel. In Euro2004 only France was a really good challenge and they still had Silvestre misfiring.

Fenerbahce defended like they were ready to go on a strike. The free kick was good though, still the keeper should have stopped that.
He is English that is why the publicty is too much but it won't suprise me if scorers 9 goals in EPL just like he did last season, which is good news because United are now most likely gonna start him before Saha and Smith.


What?Kamikaze defenders are like Real Madrid and ManU defenders

[Liverpool_SC]

He wasn't all that last season.

It is pretty tough to criticize Rooney's goal-scoring when you consider the quality of players he had around him at Everton last season. It was very easy for opponents to key on him, because there were hardly any other players on Everton that were really dangerous. Plus, Rooney was 17 years old and he was playing like a man in the most physically-demanding league in the world.

These are mitigating circumstances.

He wasn't all that last season. The reason he played for England was because he was up against Heskey and Vassel.

Maybe his competition is not that good - but that is not a reflection on his ability - only on the ability of the players surrounding him. He not only got in the team for England - he seized his place and performed very well for England.

In Euro2004 only France was a really good challenge and they still had Silvestre misfiring.

That is a ludicrous contention. Portugal is another strong team. Turkey was not chopped liver either. Thierry Henry hasn't played well at the international level for some time now. Does that make him not worth pursuing by other clubs? Henry has proven his greatness at the club level. Rooney has proven his tremendous prodigy is maturing through his performances at very high levels of international competition.

Fenerbahce defended like they were ready to go on a strike. The free kick was good though, still the keeper should have stopped that.

Arsenal only managed 1 goal against Rosenborg. Spin it however you like it, a hat trick versus any team in the group stages of UEFA Champions League is a commendable result. Suck it up and admit that it is rare for even the pinnacle of strikers to get a hat-trick. Much less one that shows so much class and versatility. It isn't like Rooney scored tap-ins or anything. He could have scored five goals in this game.

He is English that is why the publicty is too much but it won't suprise me if scorers 9 goals in EPL just like he did last season.

Obviously since English players have been overrated in the past, it is clear that Rooney is overrated . . .

Wayne Rooney score only 9 goals in the EPL while playing in the same side as Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy, Giggs, Scholes, Smith . . . hilarious. I would wager he has a strike rate between 0.6 and 0.7 goals per game started. You figure out how many that equals. He is going to have so much space to operate compared to what he had last season that he is going to have to commit serious foul play against himself not to score goals in that lineup.

And I say all this as a Liverpool fan who hates Man Utd like the plague.

[BridgeMonkee]

You got everyone else on your 'shortlist'.

*ahem* Gerrard was the player we really wanted :D

Ps ~ I wouldn't worry too much about the gifted/special needs Zani :)

[ZANI]

It is pretty tough to criticize Rooney's goal-scoring when you consider the quality of players he had around him at Everton last season. It was very easy for opponents to key on him, because there were hardly any other players on Everton that were really dangerous. Plus, Rooney was 17 years old and he was playing like a man in the most physically-demanding league in the world.

These are mitigating circumstances.



Maybe his competition is not that good - but that is not a reflection on his ability - only on the ability of the players surrounding him. He not only got in the team for England - he seized his place and performed very well for England.



That is a ludicrous contention. Portugal is another strong team. Turkey was not chopped liver either. Thierry Henry hasn't played well at the international level for some time now. Does that make him not worth pursuing by other clubs? Henry has proven his greatness at the club level. Rooney has proven his tremendous prodigy is maturing through his performances at very high levels of international competition.



Arsenal only managed 1 goal against Rosenborg. Spin it however you like it, a hat trick versus any team in the group stages of UEFA Champions League is a commendable result. Suck it up and admit that it is rare for even the pinnacle of strikers to get a hat-trick. Much less one that shows so much class and versatility. It isn't like Rooney scored tap-ins or anything. He could have scored five goals in this game.



Obviously since English players have been overrated in the past, it is clear that Rooney is overrated . . .

Wayne Rooney score only 9 goals in the EPL while playing in the same side as Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy, Giggs, Scholes, Smith . . . hilarious. I would wager he has a strike rate between 0.6 and 0.7 goals per game started. You figure out how many that equals. He is going to have so much space to operate compared to what he had last season that he is going to have to commit serious foul play against himself not to score goals in that lineup.

And I say all this as a Liverpool fan who hates Man Utd like the plague.You got the whole damn thing wrong, he may be all that you said. All I am saying is I am not convinced and will not be suprised if after all he turns out to be just another Heskey.

[bene]

a hit trick is a hat trick and it is quite spectacular. But it is not a career and nobody knows what is going to happen with Rooney, we'll all just have to wait and see. He has potential but he hasn't lived up to it just yet.
The reason we didn't go after him is simple: we don't need him. We have plenty of attacking options as it is. The season is only just begining and as everyone gets settled and into form I'm sure that Drogba's partner will emerge and the goals will start pouring in. Adding Rooney would've made for one too many roosters in the hen house.

[bigtoga]

1. Its one game folks. I'm not going to deny Rooney's a great talent (see below), but its been one home game against a Turkish CL team. No Turkish team aside from Gala has ever made it past the CL group stages. There's a reason for that.Agreed - but it was one *hell* of a debut... Hat trick in a Champs League match on your debut? You cannot diminish that as an accomplishment.2. We weren't looking to buy a talented youngster.All teams are looking to buy a talented youngster who can be the bedrock of the future. Mourinho put the left wing onto Robben's shoulders (who is only about 19 months older than Rooney). Robben may have, as your well put post below the above line stated, more game experience in UEFA matches so that elevates Robben in your eye.

Given the choice between Rooney and Robben - which would you prefer?

I can say that had United signed Robben, they wouldn't have signed Rooney. Cheap-ass PLC...

[nicephoras]

Agreed - but it was one *hell* of a debut... Hat trick in a Champs League match on your debut? You cannot diminish that as an accomplishment.

True. That accomplishment was impressive. It just shouldn't be used to judge him as a player, because its only been one game.
I don't know if you're a baseball fan, but a couple of years ago Deion Sanders came out of retirement. Most critics said he'd suck. He had a great first game, and a good first week, and writers got faced with repeated questions of "oh, I thought you said he was going to suck!". Which he soon did, and hasn't played again.
I am NOT saying Rooney is going to suck. Not at all. But one game does not a successful purchase make.

All teams are looking to buy a talented youngster who can be the bedrock of the future. Mourinho put the left wing onto Robben's shoulders (who is only about 19 months older than Rooney). Robben may have, as your well put post below the above line stated, more game experience in UEFA matches so that elevates Robben in your eye.

But we bought Robben BEFORE Mourinho came in.

Given the choice between Rooney and Robben - which would you prefer?

Personally? Depends on what we would have done regarding strikers.
Again - Mourinho was looking to buy a big CF who could lead the forward line out there every game, since he seems to be going with a more 4-3-3 approach. Would Rooney have fit into this? No. I said before Rooney was bought, I didn't think he'd have been a great fit. How happy will Rooney be on the bench? I'm not sure, but I think Kezman will be much more of an adult about it.
Gerrard, meanwhile, would have been a wonderful fit, sliding into the position Tiago and Smertin play now. Him I wanted. Badly.

I can say that had United signed Robben, they wouldn't have signed Rooney. Cheap-ass PLC...

Well, I hope you'll still be regretting Robben go then! :p

[Liverpool_SC]

You got the whole damn thing wrong, he may be all that you said. All I am saying is I am not convinced and will not be suprised if after all he turns out to be just another Heskey.

Rooney another Heskey? They are such completely different players. Rooney is more like a Cantona or Gascoigne or something. Tremendous, powerful running on the ball, ridiculous vision and the courage and cheek to score goals from all over the box. When is the last time you saw Emile Heskey score a free kick goal (and I am not talking about being on the receiving end of a service)? When is the last time you saw Emile Heskey take the ball past a man and then unleash a shot from the top of the penalty box that leaves one of Europe's former best 'keepers without a play?

I actually like Emile Heskey and think that people knock him too much. But even I have enough sense to realize that the linking play that Rooney offers, his technical skill, his self-assuredness and his finishing are on a completely different plane from Heskey's.

The way that Rooney finishes is more like Shearer. He has even more composure in front of the goal than Owen. He may struggle in a few years if his body sinks and he struggles to keep weight off. He is going to put a lot of pressure on his knees and ankles. But in the meantime, he is going to be the most splendid thing in boots.

BTW - one of the reasons that Rooney is going to be so incredible is because of the partnership that he will form with either RVN or Alan Smith. Rooney is able and willing to play as a linking forward/secondary striker. He is like a Paul Scholes with perhaps a bit more dynamism, much higher workrate and better dribbling technique - perhaps even with better vision. He is going to draw the defense away from RVN or Smith and give them even more room. He is going to give Ronaldo and Giggs even more space to cut-in and take the ball past defenders, because opposing central defenders will not be able to support the channels with Rooney lurking at the top of the box. His skill set is so well-suited to Man Utd's current team make-up. He basically gives SAF the missing "link" that he wanted so desparately when he signed Juan Sebestian Veron. And because Rooney is such a workhorse in terms of his motor - he won't have to worry about him going MIA in a match.

I seriously think that SAF is right when he suggests that he now has the strongest side since he has been at the club. Sure the midfield is aging a bit, but with Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings, RVN and a withdrawn Rooney in front of Scholes (or Klebersen or whomever) and Keane - the attacking core of the team is so flexible, dynamic and technically sound that all but the best defenses are going to have a hard time holding any shape.