Wayne Rooney is ready to step forward and become Manchester United's main man.
The England international believes he can take on the mantle after Cristiano Ronaldo's world record £80million transfer to Real Madrid.
Rooney has already told manager Sir Alex Ferguson he wants to play as a striker rather than on the wing.
But he is convinced he now has the experience as well as ability to shoulder the responsibility of talisman for the club.
He is desperate to lead United to more domestic and European success - and prove Ronaldo is not indispensable.
Rooney's selfless commitment to the United cause last season, often operating wide and backtracking to help the defence, has earned him widespread appreciation.
But it has compromised his attacking prowess and he confronted Ferguson over his position before the end of the term.
Rooney's case has been reinforced by his performances for England, who have given him licence to run at the heart of defences and raid the penalty area. He has rewarded Fabio Capello with eight goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign and virtually secured the national team's passage to next year's finals.
United insiders contend Rooney is a victim of his own versatility and enthusiasm - as well as Ronaldo's ego.
They argue that now the Portuguese is on his way, Rooney can be unleashed and become the inspiration for the next Old Trafford generation.
The golden boy of English football was expected to grow into that role when United signed him from Everton five years ago.
Ronaldo had been signed from Sporting the previous summer but was generally regarded as a one-trick pony. Rooney was considered the player of substance, the real deal.
Yet Ronaldo began to harness his exceptional talent and Rooney was eclipsed.
Ronaldo's phenomenal 200708 season, when he scored 42 goals and led United to a Premier League and Champions League double, brought also a cascade of individual awards. He cleaned up at domestic, European and world level.
Last season the fractures in Ronaldo's relationship with United began to appear while Rooney soldiered on, uncomplaining in public, but increasingly frustrated.
He knew he could play a more productive part for United and left Ferguson in no doubt about his feelings.
The United boss knows better than anyone that Rooney has the capability and application to respond to the added challenge.
Now, at the age of 23, Rooney is ready to step out of Ronaldo's shadow and achieve the stature many feel is his destiny.
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