Rooney proves he’s worth waiting for

The supporters have spoken. They want Wayne Rooney in their team.

But in the most bizarre circumstance last night, it was both sets of fans who made it clear to their managers that the England forward is wanted at their club.

As if David Moyes’s first competitive at Old Trafford since replacing Alex Ferguson against Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho in tow needed a further subplot, the Scottish manager provided it with his team selection.

The fact Rooney, 27, started against the side who have spent the summer chasing his signature raised a few raised eyebrows.

Mourinho also displayed why he is so keen on getting Rooney. The Chelsea boss opted for no striker in his line-up. A message to Rooney? You would not put it past the crafty Portuguese manager.

Of course Moyes’s selection of the England international was even bolder. There was a risk, just seven days before the transfer window closes, putting him in front of a full house at Old Trafford. Would the home support repeat the backing the travelling fans gave last week at Swansea?

A question Moyes knew would be answered soon. Of course there was his own introduction to Old Trafford as the home manager to come first.

This was the former Everton manager’s first taste of what it really is like to fill the shoes of Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

As he took the seat that the Scot once warmed after a rapturous reception, he will not have needed to be reminded just how big a job he has but it was there in large red writing the stand opposite the Old Trafford dugout — the stand named in the former manager’s honour. The United supporters did their best to welcome him. With the Special One in town, they displayed a banner on the Stretford End for the Chosen One.

His decision to start Rooney was right out of the Ferguson handbook. Bravery when your back is against the wall. It offered Mourinho and Chelsea the chance to see their target up close before they make another bid this week.

After Moyes’s welcome, came the first chants of “Rooney”. The forward can no longer fear his flirtation with the Blues has left the United fans full of hate.

Rooney did not show disinterest even in his less-preferred position, behind the striker. He buzzed around in the early stages, chasing balls down, dropping back and looking for gaps to burst into.

There was even a physical challenge on Chelsea captain John Terry. Rooney showing he was not going to go soft, even if he wants to be his team-mate by 11pm on Monday, September 2.

Moyes’s risk to throw Rooney into the public arena was paying off, but Chelsea fans also had their say. They made it clear to Mourinho they will have no trouble with the former Everton man wearing their Chelsea blue while watching a toothless display from their side.

The travelling support launched their own “Rooney” chants before earning United fans’ distaste with a chorus or two of “We’ll see you next week”.

For now Rooney remains in red and his importance to this United team was evident despite the match failing to live up to its pre-game billing of two Premier League heavyweights going up against each other.

A chance for Rooney came midway through the first half and sense of anticipation swept around the stands. The shot, however, was tame and rolled straight to a grateful Petr Cech.

He would again work Cech in the second-half but it was little more than a stretch for the Chelsea keeper to palm wide as the game fizzled out.

Nobody showed their hand in terms of the title race this season and the Rooney conundrum also goes on. Moyes should do everything he can to keep him but Mourinho needs to do everything he can to get him.