"A Manchester United fans at my work says definitely at 19 Rooney was a better player than Ronaldo. But Ronaldo was more dedicated.....whilst he still doesn't think Rooney would've reached Ronaldo's level, he does think his lifestyle hindered him becoming a better player than he could have "and when you think of what he achieved at the level he did reach...."
Hard to argue with this. Coaches at united said as much themselves.
Rooney loves football, that much is clear. However i don't think there was the desire to be the best like Ronaldo had....but very few do.
I always felt Rooney had a tough time frim fans with his form at major tournament too. The only tournaments he's gone into 100% would be 2004 and 2016 (when he was past it).
He's performed in huge games for United from derbys through to CL finals. I don't think his "big game" percirmances are up for debate.
I don't really see what more Rooney could have achieved.
Had them both at Goodison. One at the start and one at the end of their time in football.
Both had that something special to their game......something they never had to work at.
But would have rather had Paul Scholes over either of them.
Rooney has been a great player for United, I think that performance at Euro 2004 was a bit of a freak to be honest, made expectations go through the roof ever since.
He reached his potential with United between 2005-2012. Ever since he has deteriorated as a player and he's useless now but very good in his prime.
Been poor for England at tournaments ever since 2004. Obviously played under some crap managers like Hodgson, Neville and Capello probably hasn't helped nor have some badly timed injuries but I think that will be his main massive regret after retirement.
Too young to rememeber Gazza properly but it seems he never gave himself a chance with the lifestyle he lived.
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
comment by Robbing_Hoody (U6374)
posted 32 minutes ago
I don't really see what more Rooney could have achieved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Really? He won a lot of trophies if that's what you mean but in terms of fulfilling his potential I agree with the OP.
The Rooney that emerged was special imo. Pace, power, explosive shot and the confidence not the overawed. Whilst he may not have been a Ronaldo or a Messi, had he shown Ronaldo's dedication he could of been next tier down - potentially viewed as one of the top 20 ever. I don't think he'll be remembered in those terms. Still achieved a lot, no question, but his bar was higher imo.
Gazza is just a horribly sad story from what I understand. Surrounded himself with the wrong people and was never able to address his demons. Again, he was special - capable of magic moments.
Even as a rival fan, it would have been interesting (in hindsight) to see what Fergie could have done with Gazza. Whether more discipline would have helped him.
With Rooney, I think he could have been more well regarded as an individual had he gone elsewhere, but wouldn't have achieved what he has in his career in terms of titles. Ferguson got the best out of him for what he needed at United, but his versatility ultimately held him back a bit individually.
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 18 minutes ago
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggish do you think in Rodney's case the smoking and drinking has hindered him at all?
I genuinely don't know the impacts on professional sports people, as we had a striker who used to smoke in the dug-out and prefers Chelsea you could argue he was a fair player
comment by The Noble Lord Flash (U8334)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 18 minutes ago
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggish do you think in Rodney's case the smoking and drinking has hindered him at all?
I genuinely don't know the impacts on professional sports people, as we had a striker who used to smoke in the dug-out and prefers Chelsea you could argue he was a fair player
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the question wasn't to me but....
Alcohol definitely hinders. I think you can still do well if you don't treat your body well but you can't hope to hit the heights you're capable of.
Top level sport is about fine margins. Clubs employ psychologists to give people a mental edge, just that one or two percent. Dieticians to make sure players refuel correctly.
If you google effects of alcohol on athletes you'll see loads of evidence on impact to muscle recover times, metabolism and energy rates.
To be honest I don't think it's even a question. If you want to be the best athlete you can be then you need to dedicate yourself to it. That includes cutting out the booze and cigs!
Both wasted their talents to differing degrees. One fulfilled not even half their potential (Gazza) while the other probably fulfilled about 75% of it. Neither looked after themselves as well as they possibly could, though Rooney has at least come out of it with a very good career and has been a very good, and at times world class, player.
If Rooney had the dedication to improving, and wringing every bead of talent he has - like players such aad Lampard, Beckham and now probably Kane - he could have been a proper bona fide world class player.
He is clearly a bit of a slob though, he always looks a bit unwell I think. A career of poor diet and not looking after himself, and the tailing off of his natural talent is very pronounced.
Poor old Gazza was an unbelievable talent. The 80s and 90s unprofessional English game was no place for a hyperactive, multi-ticking, ADHD geezer like him. Climbing the stand at WHL to shoot pigeons FFS.
Ginola loved a snout, Zidane too I think.
The game was easy for people like that
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 20 minutes ago
If Rooney had the dedication to improving, and wringing every bead of talent he has - like players such aad Lampard, Beckham and now probably Kane - he could have been a proper bona fide world class player.
He is clearly a bit of a slob though, he always looks a bit unwell I think. A career of poor diet and not looking after himself, and the tailing off of his natural talent is very pronounced.
Poor old Gazza was an unbelievable talent. The 80s and 90s unprofessional English game was no place for a hyperactive, multi-ticking, ADHD geezer like him. Climbing the stand at WHL to shoot pigeons FFS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All the Utd fans i know all seem to agree that a little while after his playing days, Rooney will be Under-Tall for his weight.
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
comment by The Noble Lord Flash (U8334)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 20 minutes ago
If Rooney had the dedication to improving, and wringing every bead of talent he has - like players such aad Lampard, Beckham and now probably Kane - he could have been a proper bona fide world class player.
He is clearly a bit of a slob though, he always looks a bit unwell I think. A career of poor diet and not looking after himself, and the tailing off of his natural talent is very pronounced.
Poor old Gazza was an unbelievable talent. The 80s and 90s unprofessional English game was no place for a hyperactive, multi-ticking, ADHD geezer like him. Climbing the stand at WHL to shoot pigeons FFS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All the Utd fans i know all seem to agree that a little while after his playing days, Rooney will be Under-Tall for his weight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
oh 100%. Just look at the parents
Lesley
Rooney family look like gypsies!
comment by Can Solo (U6997)
posted 50 minutes ago
comment by The Noble Lord Flash (U8334)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 18 minutes ago
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggish do you think in Rodney's case the smoking and drinking has hindered him at all?
I genuinely don't know the impacts on professional sports people, as we had a striker who used to smoke in the dug-out and prefers Chelsea you could argue he was a fair player
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the question wasn't to me but....
Alcohol definitely hinders. I think you can still do well if you don't treat your body well but you can't hope to hit the heights you're capable of.
Top level sport is about fine margins. Clubs employ psychologists to give people a mental edge, just that one or two percent. Dieticians to make sure players refuel correctly.
If you google effects of alcohol on athletes you'll see loads of evidence on impact to muscle recover times, metabolism and energy rates.
To be honest I don't think it's even a question. If you want to be the best athlete you can be then you need to dedicate yourself to it. That includes cutting out the booze and cigs!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In general i would agree with this but there is always a mavrick exeption for example A. Cole
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 8 minutes ago
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i cam imagine, bet you guys loved him up there.
how did he do in the old firm games for ou?
Rooney peaked at a very early age at Euro 2004,it's pretty much been downhill all the way for him since then,a shame but it is what it is!
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 8 minutes ago
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i cam imagine, bet you guys loved him up there.
how did he do in the old firm games for ou?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gazza stood out, as you can imagine......playing withBrian Laudrup helped.
Big kid Gazza was easily led though, as Rangers players got him to pretend to play a flute after he scored against Celtic😀All hell kicked off and he got ra death threats.
Happy times😁
comment by blueinbarca (U3426)
posted 2 minutes ago
Rooney peaked at a very early age at Euro 2004,it's pretty much been downhill all the way for him since then,a shame but it is what it is!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spot on, as Rooney was in my winning work fantasy team in 2005.... and he has not been as good since, apart from rare glimpses.
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 12 minutes ago
Lesley
Rooney family look like gypsies!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm. The only travelling they look lile doimg is sofa to fridge
About to hit the Victoria Line....wish me luck fellas
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 8 minutes ago
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i cam imagine, bet you guys loved him up there.
how did he do in the old firm games for ou?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gazza stood out, as you can imagine......playing withBrian Laudrup helped.
Big kid Gazza was easily led though, as Rangers players got him to pretend to play a flute after he scored against Celtic😀All hell kicked off and he got ra death threats.
Happy times😁
----------------------------------------------------------------------
omg yes i had forgot about that,,,,he got a death threat from members of the Irish Republucan Army after that i think
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 12 minutes ago
Lesley
Rooney family look like gypsies!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm. The only travelling they look lile doimg is sofa to fridge
About to hit the Victoria Line....wish me luck fellas
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beware F Troop, mate.
Used to be at the end of Victoria line, down Brixton way.
Millllllwaaallllllll
Sign in if you want to comment
Gazza and Rooney
Page 1 of 2
posted on 12/3/17
"A Manchester United fans at my work says definitely at 19 Rooney was a better player than Ronaldo. But Ronaldo was more dedicated.....whilst he still doesn't think Rooney would've reached Ronaldo's level, he does think his lifestyle hindered him becoming a better player than he could have "and when you think of what he achieved at the level he did reach...."
Hard to argue with this. Coaches at united said as much themselves.
Rooney loves football, that much is clear. However i don't think there was the desire to be the best like Ronaldo had....but very few do.
posted on 12/3/17
I always felt Rooney had a tough time frim fans with his form at major tournament too. The only tournaments he's gone into 100% would be 2004 and 2016 (when he was past it).
He's performed in huge games for United from derbys through to CL finals. I don't think his "big game" percirmances are up for debate.
posted on 12/3/17
I don't really see what more Rooney could have achieved.
posted on 12/3/17
Had them both at Goodison. One at the start and one at the end of their time in football.
Both had that something special to their game......something they never had to work at.
But would have rather had Paul Scholes over either of them.
posted on 12/3/17
Rooney has been a great player for United, I think that performance at Euro 2004 was a bit of a freak to be honest, made expectations go through the roof ever since.
He reached his potential with United between 2005-2012. Ever since he has deteriorated as a player and he's useless now but very good in his prime.
Been poor for England at tournaments ever since 2004. Obviously played under some crap managers like Hodgson, Neville and Capello probably hasn't helped nor have some badly timed injuries but I think that will be his main massive regret after retirement.
Too young to rememeber Gazza properly but it seems he never gave himself a chance with the lifestyle he lived.
posted on 12/3/17
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
posted on 12/3/17
comment by Robbing_Hoody (U6374)
posted 32 minutes ago
I don't really see what more Rooney could have achieved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Really? He won a lot of trophies if that's what you mean but in terms of fulfilling his potential I agree with the OP.
The Rooney that emerged was special imo. Pace, power, explosive shot and the confidence not the overawed. Whilst he may not have been a Ronaldo or a Messi, had he shown Ronaldo's dedication he could of been next tier down - potentially viewed as one of the top 20 ever. I don't think he'll be remembered in those terms. Still achieved a lot, no question, but his bar was higher imo.
Gazza is just a horribly sad story from what I understand. Surrounded himself with the wrong people and was never able to address his demons. Again, he was special - capable of magic moments.
Even as a rival fan, it would have been interesting (in hindsight) to see what Fergie could have done with Gazza. Whether more discipline would have helped him.
posted on 12/3/17
With Rooney, I think he could have been more well regarded as an individual had he gone elsewhere, but wouldn't have achieved what he has in his career in terms of titles. Ferguson got the best out of him for what he needed at United, but his versatility ultimately held him back a bit individually.
posted on 12/3/17
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 18 minutes ago
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggish do you think in Rodney's case the smoking and drinking has hindered him at all?
I genuinely don't know the impacts on professional sports people, as we had a striker who used to smoke in the dug-out and prefers Chelsea you could argue he was a fair player
posted on 12/3/17
comment by The Noble Lord Flash (U8334)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 18 minutes ago
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggish do you think in Rodney's case the smoking and drinking has hindered him at all?
I genuinely don't know the impacts on professional sports people, as we had a striker who used to smoke in the dug-out and prefers Chelsea you could argue he was a fair player
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the question wasn't to me but....
Alcohol definitely hinders. I think you can still do well if you don't treat your body well but you can't hope to hit the heights you're capable of.
Top level sport is about fine margins. Clubs employ psychologists to give people a mental edge, just that one or two percent. Dieticians to make sure players refuel correctly.
If you google effects of alcohol on athletes you'll see loads of evidence on impact to muscle recover times, metabolism and energy rates.
To be honest I don't think it's even a question. If you want to be the best athlete you can be then you need to dedicate yourself to it. That includes cutting out the booze and cigs!
posted on 12/3/17
Both wasted their talents to differing degrees. One fulfilled not even half their potential (Gazza) while the other probably fulfilled about 75% of it. Neither looked after themselves as well as they possibly could, though Rooney has at least come out of it with a very good career and has been a very good, and at times world class, player.
posted on 12/3/17
If Rooney had the dedication to improving, and wringing every bead of talent he has - like players such aad Lampard, Beckham and now probably Kane - he could have been a proper bona fide world class player.
He is clearly a bit of a slob though, he always looks a bit unwell I think. A career of poor diet and not looking after himself, and the tailing off of his natural talent is very pronounced.
Poor old Gazza was an unbelievable talent. The 80s and 90s unprofessional English game was no place for a hyperactive, multi-ticking, ADHD geezer like him. Climbing the stand at WHL to shoot pigeons FFS.
posted on 12/3/17
Ginola loved a snout, Zidane too I think.
The game was easy for people like that
posted on 12/3/17
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 20 minutes ago
If Rooney had the dedication to improving, and wringing every bead of talent he has - like players such aad Lampard, Beckham and now probably Kane - he could have been a proper bona fide world class player.
He is clearly a bit of a slob though, he always looks a bit unwell I think. A career of poor diet and not looking after himself, and the tailing off of his natural talent is very pronounced.
Poor old Gazza was an unbelievable talent. The 80s and 90s unprofessional English game was no place for a hyperactive, multi-ticking, ADHD geezer like him. Climbing the stand at WHL to shoot pigeons FFS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All the Utd fans i know all seem to agree that a little while after his playing days, Rooney will be Under-Tall for his weight.
posted on 12/3/17
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
posted on 12/3/17
comment by The Noble Lord Flash (U8334)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 20 minutes ago
If Rooney had the dedication to improving, and wringing every bead of talent he has - like players such aad Lampard, Beckham and now probably Kane - he could have been a proper bona fide world class player.
He is clearly a bit of a slob though, he always looks a bit unwell I think. A career of poor diet and not looking after himself, and the tailing off of his natural talent is very pronounced.
Poor old Gazza was an unbelievable talent. The 80s and 90s unprofessional English game was no place for a hyperactive, multi-ticking, ADHD geezer like him. Climbing the stand at WHL to shoot pigeons FFS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
All the Utd fans i know all seem to agree that a little while after his playing days, Rooney will be Under-Tall for his weight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
oh 100%. Just look at the parents
posted on 12/3/17
Lesley
Rooney family look like gypsies!
posted on 12/3/17
comment by Can Solo (U6997)
posted 50 minutes ago
comment by The Noble Lord Flash (U8334)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 18 minutes ago
I actually think Gazza had more talent that Rooney, but less brain cells, which is saying something tbh.
I remember Gazza tearing a very good Dutch team a new one until he got an elbow and smashed cheek bone. .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggish do you think in Rodney's case the smoking and drinking has hindered him at all?
I genuinely don't know the impacts on professional sports people, as we had a striker who used to smoke in the dug-out and prefers Chelsea you could argue he was a fair player
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the question wasn't to me but....
Alcohol definitely hinders. I think you can still do well if you don't treat your body well but you can't hope to hit the heights you're capable of.
Top level sport is about fine margins. Clubs employ psychologists to give people a mental edge, just that one or two percent. Dieticians to make sure players refuel correctly.
If you google effects of alcohol on athletes you'll see loads of evidence on impact to muscle recover times, metabolism and energy rates.
To be honest I don't think it's even a question. If you want to be the best athlete you can be then you need to dedicate yourself to it. That includes cutting out the booze and cigs!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In general i would agree with this but there is always a mavrick exeption for example A. Cole
posted on 12/3/17
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 8 minutes ago
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i cam imagine, bet you guys loved him up there.
how did he do in the old firm games for ou?
posted on 12/3/17
Rooney peaked at a very early age at Euro 2004,it's pretty much been downhill all the way for him since then,a shame but it is what it is!
posted on 12/3/17
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 8 minutes ago
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i cam imagine, bet you guys loved him up there.
how did he do in the old firm games for ou?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gazza stood out, as you can imagine......playing withBrian Laudrup helped.
Big kid Gazza was easily led though, as Rangers players got him to pretend to play a flute after he scored against Celtic😀All hell kicked off and he got ra death threats.
Happy times😁
posted on 12/3/17
comment by blueinbarca (U3426)
posted 2 minutes ago
Rooney peaked at a very early age at Euro 2004,it's pretty much been downhill all the way for him since then,a shame but it is what it is!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spot on, as Rooney was in my winning work fantasy team in 2005.... and he has not been as good since, apart from rare glimpses.
posted on 12/3/17
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 12 minutes ago
Lesley
Rooney family look like gypsies!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm. The only travelling they look lile doimg is sofa to fridge
About to hit the Victoria Line....wish me luck fellas
posted on 12/3/17
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by SWTN Biggish (U7916)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 8 minutes ago
Biggish
Gazza at Rangers was a joy for us.....could do with him today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i cam imagine, bet you guys loved him up there.
how did he do in the old firm games for ou?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gazza stood out, as you can imagine......playing withBrian Laudrup helped.
Big kid Gazza was easily led though, as Rangers players got him to pretend to play a flute after he scored against Celtic😀All hell kicked off and he got ra death threats.
Happy times😁
----------------------------------------------------------------------
omg yes i had forgot about that,,,,he got a death threat from members of the Irish Republucan Army after that i think
posted on 12/3/17
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by thebluebellsareblue (U9292)
posted 12 minutes ago
Lesley
Rooney family look like gypsies!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm. The only travelling they look lile doimg is sofa to fridge
About to hit the Victoria Line....wish me luck fellas
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beware F Troop, mate.
Used to be at the end of Victoria line, down Brixton way.
Millllllwaaallllllll
Page 1 of 2