United on the Wayne

So, bloody hell, it all seems to be kicking off in a big way over at Old Trafford then doesn't it?!

Prior to his official statement, the 'noises' and 'reports' that were emanating about Wayne Rooney's intentions were taken with a pinch of salt by me and, I presume, many others. But there is nothing of the tabloid rumour in his statement, and it must be seriously concerning for United fans.

Rooney has essentially stated that his team-mate's are no longer of the calibre required to win the trophies to which he has been accustomed over recent years. As my previous blog discussed, their results this year have not been up to scratch. Further to this, the fact that Ronaldo and Tevez have not been adequately replaced (buying youngsters, potential notwithstanding, is not the same) would seem to give some weight to Rooney's grievance.

However one thing seems to be conspicuous in it's absence from the England striker's viewpoint.

Wayne, mate...you've not exactly been tearing the world apart lately, have you?

The fact that he has chosen to time this decision on the back of easily the worst run of form that he has ever slumped to - 2010 starting so brightly and now an annus horribilus - may well weaken his position.

His first touch at the moment would not get him in the Barcelona Under 15's team. Granted, he is one of football's leading global superstars and many clubs will be clamouring to get his name on the back of their replica shirts (City's Garry Cook is presumably stalking in the bushes outside Rooney Mansion as we speak) but if this does happen, he will have to do some serious improving.

Whatever happens here, I can't help but shake the feeling that Alex Ferguson - despite probably operating under more constraints than at any other time during his tenure - will be thinking to himself that young Wayne might be making a big mistake. We shall see.

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While one young British superstar throws his toys out the pram despite playing like a complete Heskey; another is busy showing the world what us Saints fans have known for years.

Gareth Bale is the real deal. Make no mistake - at 17 he carried a Saints team to the brink of promotion, all while playing as a left back. Those of us who saw him in youth team days alongside Theo Walcott were impressed by the maturity of his play and the quality of his touch. Now, it seems, the entire footballing world will know all about him.

A hat-trick in the San Siro (by all accounts a hat-trick of the highest quality) will possibly mean Gareth Bale is playing in the Champions League 2010/11 for even longer than Tottenham are. The big fish will want him, and trust me, he is good enough.