Rooney’s Red letter day

IT’S been a spectacular week on the field for Wayne Rooney, inset, and Man Utd, but perhaps the most important development was not Rooney’s devastating breakaway goal at the Emirates yesterday, but rather his pledge to remain a Red for the remainder of his career.

“My family live 30 minutes away. I’m perfectly happy and there is no reason to play my football anywhere else. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world,” Rooney said ahead of yesterday’s spanking of title rivals Arsenal.

It was his goal last Wednesday night that prised a Carling Cup final spot away from Man City and the effect of that was plainly evident yesterday as a rejuvenated United proved a step quicker in mind and body than their hosts in North London.

The only worry for United is the thought of hunting down leaders Chelsea without their talisman, who claimed his 100th Premier League goal when making it 2-0 before the interval.

United appear to have found their traditional New Year quick-step (if a month late), but Arsene Wenger has the unenviable task of convincing his Arsenal players now that their League race is run. He has stubbornly refused once more to venture into the transfer market, insisting he does not need another striker. I agree. What he has not addressed, to his discredit, is the goal-keeping situation at the club – on their joint best day, there isn’t a title winning keeper between Manual Almunia, Vito Mannone and Lukas Fabianski.

And to think Wenger could have had Shay Given for €5m.