Charlton: Rooney will be one of the greats
Bobby Charlton has warned worried Premiership defences there is much more to come from Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United legend watched with glee as Rooney tore Newcastle apart on Sunday with arguably his finest Red Devils performance.
Rooney scored twice and could have had five as the Magpies had no answer to his sheer brilliance.
Already he has been identified as one of the key men in England’s World Cup plans, while, for all their midfield problems, United’s future appears secure as long as Rooney remains at Old Trafford.
Yet, at just 20, the former Everton star still has plenty to learn. Charlton believes it could be a while yet before anyone sees the best of Rooney.
“Wayne is an exciting player and his improvement is so rapid that if it continues at this rate, his future is absolutely secure,” Charlton told The Manchester Evening News.
“He is looking great already but equally I am sure we have not seen the best of him yet. He will be one of the greats and, as a club, we are very lucky to have him with us.”
Charlton believes Rooney has learned some valuable lessons already, particularly about keeping his temper in check.
After picking up four yellow cards in five games in January, the Croxteth-born forward has now gone 10 matches for club and country without being cautioned, equalling the best run of his fledgling professional career.
“We have seen with his temper that he is learning quickly how to keep a lid on it,” added Charlton, who remains one of only two Englishman to have won the World Cup and European Cup.
“He knows when he has done wrong and he wants to put things right, which is great.
“No matter what he has achieved so far he wants to learn more, which is a great attribute to have. It means he won’t get complacent and stand still.”
