Van Persie or not, Rooney ready to go for Man Utd

Wayne Rooney proved he is ready to spearhead Manchester United's title challenge by inspiring the Red Devils to victory in their final pre-season friendly against Hannover.

United fought back from 3-1 down to win a thrilling contest against one of the best emerging teams in the Bundesliga, thanks to Rooney's two-goal heroics.

His effort was more significant because United did not have Sir Alex Ferguson to urge them on.

Ferguson missed the trip to northern Germany to pursue "other club business", according to the Daily Mail.

He is plotting ways to convince his old rival Arsene Wenger to let him have Robin van Persie for £15 million.

That or the Glazers will have to find an additional £15m to meet Arsenal’s asking price for Van Persie, which is unlikely given the lukewarm reception to United’s share opening in New York last week.

Ferguson must have got jitters and his resolve to hire Van Persie increased after United got off to a dreadful start.

Hannover 96, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga last season and are potential Europa League opponents for Liverpool, had virtually sewn up the game with their third goal after 66 minutes.

But United spurred on by Rooney, who looked lighter and sharper than he did for England this summer, responded with a curling free-kick from just outside the box that reduced arrears after 69 minutes.

And the United striker then won a penalty from Zieler eight minutes from the end before dispatching the resulting penalty.

Then the impressive Shinji Kagawa drove in the winner after being set up by the irrepressible Rooney.
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.