Rooney watches United game from the stands
Published 23:08 30/10/10 By Michael Calvin
Wayne Rooney stole into Old Trafford like a thief in the night. He was dressed for the part in a grey beanie hat and black gloves.
A self-conscious security guard hovered – just in case – but no one dared penetrate the force field of Rooney’s notoriety.
Not for him the traditional chores of Manchester United squad players, billeted at the back of the directors’ box.
No autographs. No spray-on smiles for photographs, stored on mobile phones. Just the barrier of his broad back, defying human contact.
The only fireworks came at half-time after he had retreated into the bowels of the main stand, never to return. They were detonated to add a dramatic edge to a ballet, staged in honour of a Korean tyre company.
It was that sort of night – surreal and tinged with tension.
Heurelho Gomes’s brain fade, which resulted in a bizarre second goal, summed up a strange occasion.
On the pitch, at least, it was business as usual. Tottenham did their traditional impression of a team that flatters to deceive.
Harry Redknapp’s sales patter, that his side is growing into the challenge of competing with the Big Four, doesn’t stand the scrutiny of statistics. They have taken only four points in their last 21 visits to Old Trafford, where they have yet to win in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, there is money to be made – and the hucksters have wasted little time in cashing in on Javier Hernandez (below).
The Mexican striker, who may eventually allow United to profit from their protection of Rooney’s transfer value, has become a cottage industry in his own right.
Green and gold scarves are so last season, darling. The latest fashion accessory is the Little Pea sombrero, fringed in in Glazer red.
Hernandez’s face is unrecognisable on the acrylic scarves that make him look like a Tellytubby – but it is the thought that counts.
Hernandez is stuck on fast forward. He is blessed with the sixth sense of a natural goalscorer.
He has the sort of speed off the mark which risks hamstring twang. One first-time shot, unleashed after an intelligent run in the heart of the Spurs defence, justified Fergie’s lavish praise.
He also has that boy-next-door innocence, which contrasts with you-know-who’s demeanour
It is hard to imagine Rooney dropping to his knees beside the centre spot.
Unless – of course – someone has dropped a £50 note.
