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Rooney Can Be Dropped Versus Moscow

Should Rooney be dropped? How Man Utd could line up v CSKA Moscow

 The struggles of Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney have characterised Manchester United’s season to a large extent, with their output in the final third not having matched their build-up play in most of their games so far.

That narrative was altered somewhat on Saturday when Depay was left out by Louis van Gaal and Rooney was switched back to the main striker role as United easily saw off Everton at Goodison Park. The manager admitted afterwards that Depay's misfortune with the Netherlands during the international break had played a part in his decision to change things around, but added that he is unlikely to alter his side too much for the crucial Group B trip to CSKA Moscow.

United recovered from their opening-night defeat to PSV by coming from behind to beat Wolfsburg last time out, but the forthcoming home-and-away clashes with the Russian side will be vital in more ways than one.

As a team, a pair of victories will push them to the verge of the knockout phase, while Rooney himself needs to use his improved showing against Everton as a springboard back into form. The England captain netted his first league goal away from Old Trafford since November 2014 as United cruised to a 3-0 win, but squandered a couple of one-on-ones which could have exaggerated United’s win still further.

Van Gaal pushed Anthony Martial out to the left to get the best out of Rooney on Saturday, and if the experiment continues then Rooney needs to keep delivering. The 29-year-old’s mission in Moscow is clear.
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