SIR BOBBY CHARLTON believes that Wayne Rooney can be the leader of the young Manchester United pack evoking memories of Eric Cantona.United great Charlton praised the important role Cantona played in helping nurture the careers of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes in the 1990s.
Now United director Charlton can visualise Rooney becoming a mentor to the new kids on the Old Trafford block, like Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.
With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stating his intention to use the youngsters in this season’s Champions League campaign, which begins against Benfica in Lisbon on Wednesday, Rooney could be pivotal. Charlton said: “With the departure of Gary Neville, Edwin van der Sar, John O’Shea and Wes Brown, there is more responsibility for Wayne.
“I think he has responded to all the new young players around him. Wayne has reacted to things the way Eric did. What Cantona did for that group in 1995, Wayne can do for the current generation.” Charlton is pleased that Rooney’s problems last season, which at one stage resulted in a desire to leave the club, are now in the past.
What Cantona did for that group in 1995, Wayne can do for the current generation
Sir Bobby Charlton.
“I’m just glad he is playing for us and nobody else,” Charlton added. “Wayne has the potential to be a great player at United for a decade.
“No one would be more pleased than me if one day he takes my goalscoring record.
“He’s a unique player who will try things other players won’t.” Despite Ferguson’s promise to his young stars, the manager has said the game against Benfica is one for the more experienced players.
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