Rooney and Robin Van Persie partnership?

With speculation linking the wantaway Arsenal captain with a move to rivals Manchester United gathering pace, this potential partnership could be the key to bringing glory to the Red Devils once again following an uncharacteristic trophyless season last term.

The Dutchman cited a lack of silverware at the Emirates as his reason to leave, having won only one FA Cup since joining the North London side in 2004, and will jealously admire Rooney’s haul of four Premier League titles, two League Cups and on Champions League in that time.

The Liverpool-born forward has been a key player for United since his arrival and played an integral part in winning all of those trophies, being the only truly reliable goalscorer in the Manchester United squad since the departure of Ruud van Nistlerooy, as players like Dimitar Berbatov and more recently Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck have at times struggled to provide a consistent goal output.

Rooney’s haul of 27 league goals last season was the largest of his career at the club, and was second only to Van Persie throughout the division.

Consequentially, the Old Trafford faithful will undoubtedly be relishing the prospect of the two forwards linking up to form a deadly partnership should United beat off interest from the likes of Juventus and cross-city rivals Manchester City to secure a deal for the Dutchman.

With or without Van Persie, Rooney will be the figurehead of the United attack, and with Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and new signing Shinji Kagawa all players known for their ability to create goalscoring chances, Rooney could very well face another profitable season in front of goal.

As a result, Rooney is currently bookmakers’ favourite to seal the Golden Boot for the first time in his career, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hopeful that his star player will lead the side to a twentieth Premier League victory.