Are You Alan Shearer in Disguise?!

I know, I know, United supporters loathe that man that spurned Fergie many years ago. And if you believe this, you might also feel that Shearer’s relative lack of silverware was a deserved consequence from that decision. Fair enough.

But all animosity aside, don’t you feel like Rooney’s channeling the EPL’s record-setting goal scorer?!

I mean, c’mon, Rooney’s drifting slightly deeper in the box and taking positions where his first-choice is a header on goal. And from distance, mind you. No more one-dimensional crashing the near or far post. Now defenders need to take heed even when Wazza drifts ever-so-slightly back in the box.

Today’s Cup-winner came from a deeper position and the end-product, a perfectly placed, looping header, was the only-possible way to beat Brad Friedel from a distance.

His inch-perfect match-winner makes five headed goals in a row, an utterly remarkable stat for a man now clearly in ascendency for the Golden Boot and World Footballer of the Year honors.

But these are individual accomplishments.

Looking from the team perspective, we shouldn’t get too caught up in Rooney’s raging form, as United couldn’t be happier with the recent developments on the wing as well.

We’re watching Valencia’s crossing and confidence grow, given a short break earlier along with the added incentive of competition with Nani after his recent resurgence. Is this a coincidence? I think not.

Valencia’s improved service reinforces Wazza’s newly-found aerial prowess, as clearly Wayne expects and often gets pin-point service. Obviously this adds another dimension to Rooney’s menace, which makes him even harder to mark in and around the box.

Yet the improved crossing ultimately makes Valencia more difficult to stop as well, as defenders need to close down the increasingly potent crosses and risk being beaten by Antonio’s quick footwork on the carpet, an unenviable pick-your-poison proposition that clearly demonstrates why Valencia won Man of the Match honors today.

Sir Alex now has three potent wingers, all of whom are all elevating their form simultaneously with Rooney. A fourth consecutive EPL title and magic number nineteen are clearly within reach, especially if Rio and Vidic can get healthy for the run-in.

So, do you ever wonder what Mr. Newcastle thinks while watching United win trophy after trophy? Cheer up, Alan Shearer! Oh what can could have been indeed.