Wayne Rooney’s performance for Manchester United in Friday’s 1-0 away win was best summed up by the fact his only touch in the Villa area came in the 90th minute.
In the short-term world of the Premier League, plenty of pundits have been quick to write off Rooney and, certainly, there are some concerning elements.
Louis van Gaal’s 4-2-3-1 formation seems set up for Rooney to flourish in the central striker’s role, backed up by the likes of Memphis Depay, Juan Mata, Ashley Young and, probably, Pedro if United sign him from Barcelona.
But the formation is not working yet for Rooney and questions are being asked about his fitness, pace and whether approaching 30 he has peaked at the top level.
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Also up for debate is whether Rooney is still capable of playing as a lone No 9. He appeared isolated on Friday.
Rooney has played that role to brilliant effect in the past, notably in the 2009/10 season. A key to his success then was his first touch, ability to turn his marker and his link-up play. He still has those elements to his game.
United are not clicking as a team yet but, on paper, Van Gaal’s side should be an attacking unit, not one that leaves their star man marooned up field.
The beauty of the 4-2-3-1 formation is that two deep-lying midfielders mean the full-backs have plenty of licence to charge forward and give United a five or six players in every attack.
On paper, Rooney is made for such a fluid forward line and should have three or four options every time he receives the ball. He should not have to come as deep as he has in the first two matches to get the ball.
All this has to happen this season – if he cannot get the best out of his main striker then Van Gaal will have failed.
But two games in is not the time to make a judgement. Give Depay time to grow, give United time to click into gear.
If, in 10 games time, Rooney is still underwhelming then it will be time to press the panic button.
City must wrap Aguero in cotton wool
Is this the title-winning formula for Manchester City? Sergio Aguero + 38 games = the trophy.
The Argentine is the best striker in the league but he has never played a full season for City.
Even missing five games last season, he still finished as top scorer with 26 goals. He could easily break the record of 34 goals in a season if he can stay fit.
But that is a big “if”. In six 38-game league campaigns, starting with the 2009/10 season with Atletico Madrid, Aguero has started 24, 31, 31, 22, 20 and 30 league games.
So there’s a decent chance he will miss time through injury at some point this season.
The problem for City is that their back-up striker, Wilfried Bony, is such a different player that the team’s style of play will be altered if Aguero is out.
It is not Bony’s fault – there are few players in the world game like Aguero, only Luis Suarez, Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi, possess the pace and outrageous dribbling skill with such a low centre of gravity.
City have flown out of the blocks with two 3-0 wins but, with this season’s title race likely to be far tighter than 2014/15, a prolonged Aguero absence could be the difference between top spot and second place.
Palace are a joy to watch
Crystal Palace were pretty unlucky to lose 2-1 to Arsenal on Sunday, but there’s was a performance full of promise. They are going to be a fun side to watch this season.
Their wingers are the key and it is exciting to see two players – Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha – who want to take on their man at every occasion.
One of the key points for Alan Pardew this season was improving their home record of just six wins in 14/15.
Based on Sunday’s performance, Selhurst Park will be a tough place to earn a point.
twoods@thenational.ae
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