Wayne Rooney finally comfortable in own skin

One minute relaxed and effortlessly mature whilst handling media commitments for England, the next producing outrageous moments of skill on the pitch for Manchester United, there is something significant about the development of Wayne Rooney this season as he prepares to lead his side in the Manchester derby.

The striker has always had the power to earn headlines but, whereas in the past he seemed uncomfortable with his fame and frustrated by an inability to take control of his talent, now the child prodigy has become a leader — and it suits him.

There will be some who say that at the age of 29 such a development is long overdue; but in many ways the metamorphosis has happened incredibly quickly, inspired by being named captain of both club and country.