Rooney magic works oracle

Manchester United 1 Real Sociedad

After losing a last-minute goal to Southampton last weekend — a result which leaves United embarrassingly in mid-table in the Premier League — the last thing David Moyes probably needed this week was for his predecessor to open old wounds with a warts-and-all account of his time at Old Trafford — and in particular his views on ‘ask away’ striker Rooney.

So the sight of the controversial forward in full flow against Sociedad, forcing the visitors into a second-minute own goal that decided the tie, will have come as a major relief to everyone at the club, including Ferguson who watched from the directors box.

Rooney, for his part, said he wasn’t fazed by Ferguson’s remarks.

“I haven’t seen him since he retired,” said the striker. “I’m happy under the new manager. The new coach that has come in (has given me) a new lease of life, I’m really enjoy working under David Moyes.”

Asked if he would respond to Ferguson’s comments, he said: “No, I’m happy playing football. That’s the past, I’m looking to the future.”

Moyes was full of praise for the England man last night. He said: “He was absolutely terrific, he was great. We just want top players like Wayne to play well and he is playing well.”

The result leaves United comfortably top of Group A with seven points from three games and allows them to go into Saturday’s game against Stoke City with what seems a rarity these days — a home victory behind them and confidence starting to grow.

For that, they have a moment of Rooney magic to thank; because it was the striker — who Ferguson claims wanted to leave last season and who was accused of being unfit and “slow to learn” on the training field — who instigated a wonderful opening 20 minutes that sealed the game.

In only the second minute, he weaved and slalomed his way through the Sociedad defence, ending his run with a shot that cannoned back off the far post — before the ball was comically turned into his own net by visiting defender Inigo Martinez.

The way United started the game was hugely encouraging; a rapid, high- octane opening featuring excellent cameo performances from Rooney and veteran Ryan Giggs. ; For a while, it seemed as though Old Trafford was set for an avalanche of goals as Rooney also had an effort well saved from close range, then tried an acrobatic scissors kick and finally watched as Hernandez scored, but from an offside position.

But, just as against Southampton last weekend, United mysteriously lost their way after that, allowing a spirited Sociedad side — the bottom team in Group A who are struggling in La Liga — to dominate midfield — an area where the home side are clearly lacking — and create several good opportunities themselves.

A free kick from the impressive Antoine Griezmann, which cannoned back off the crossbar, was the biggest scare; but there were others — and not only in the first half as the Basque side grew in confidence after the break.

Wasted chances from the otherwise impressive Kagawa, muscled out of it when clean through; and Valencia, who hit a post with his effort; and Rooney, who volleyed carelessly over the bar; meant a nervous finale.

Thankfully for Moyes, his players, unlike last weekend, were able to hold out; but even so the overriding feeling when Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis — who booked six players, even though there was barely tackle in the game — blew the final whistle was as much one of relief as of celebration.

It’s a sign of how far things have sunk at Old Trafford, too, that the club felt it necessary to install a ‘singing section’ in the Stretford End in a bid to improve the atmosphere; although the United choir did their best to inspire their side, there were plenty of pointers that this team have a way to go.

Moyes, though, should take his positives where he can; and as Ferguson signs books in Stretford today, there is, for now, a little more calm around the place he called home for so long.

MANCHESTER UNITED: De Gea 7; Rafael 6 (Smalling 59; 6), Jones 7, Evans 6, Evra 6; Valencia 5, Carrick 5, Giggs 7, Kagawa 6; Rooney 8, Hernandez 5 (Young 80). Subs: Lindegaard, Buttner, Fellaini, Nani, Januzaj.

REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo 7, Carlos Martinez 6, Mikel Gonzalez 6, Martinez 5, De la Bella 7, Vela 6, Zurutuza 6 (Casro 75; 6), Markel 7, Prieto 7 (Pardo 68), Griezmann 7, Seferovic 7. Subs: Zubikarai, Agirretxe, Ansotegui, Cadamuro, Ros.

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Holland)