Dark side of Wayne Rooney shows again alongside spectacular goal

Wayne Rooney's temperament often overshadows an impressive career with England.

Widely accused of suffering from a very short fuse, the Manchester United striker is no stranger to criticism from England managers past and present.

They worry about his ability to control tempestuous emotions on the field.

Yet, the 23-year-old marksman has been sent off only once in a flourishing international career that saw him pick up his 51st cap against Kazakhstan yesterday.

During that time, he has scored 22 goals - including a spectacular volley in Almaty.

On his day, Rooney is one of the most dangerous strikers in world. His positional play, eye for goal and awareness are exceptional attributes few players can match.

If there's a deficiency in his game, aside from the 'emotional time bomb' claims, it's his frustration at failing to receive service.

He invariably moves into unfamiliar territory in search of the ball and gets involved in rucks with his own players.

Those close to him claim a growing sense of responsibility and imminent fatherhood have brought about a positive change in his character.

Sadly, you were left to question those claims as Rooney's dark side showed up again last night.
The physical tactics the Kazakhs employed to shackle him were evident. But it was also clear Rooney's frustrations at his own team-mates were close to boiling point.
In the first half, with the game goalless, his arms came up in annoyance as he saw less and less of the ball.
Eventually, he tracked back deep inside his own half to pick it up and unleashed a volley of abuse at his own players.

Despite England's two-goal half-time lead, he trudged down the tunnel, mumbling to himself with his head hung low.

Rooney's mood continued to deteriorate further after the interval, as he drifted out of the game for long spells.
But that was all to change in a moment of magic when he made it 3-0 with an acrobatic volley. The dark clouds were lifted as Rooney celebrated his eighth international goal in his last six outings - a phenomenal run.
The happy Rooney tune didn't last long and he was soon ranting and raving again.

But as one England fan said at the end: "Roo can kick off all day as far as I'm concerned, but if he scores and England win, who gives a damn?"




Source