Some Manchester United supporters may be wondering if Wayne Rooney’s talent has disappeared down the 40ft hole on the Mancunian Way.

Rooney's first heavy pass at Villa Park on Friday night came in the 13th minute and his luck did not improve all evening. Slow and unreliable, it became such a chastening ordeal for the United captain that Gary Nevillecould not defend him.

After Rooney's near-anonymous showing in the April derby win, Neville attempted to suggest his movement was more influential than anybody recognised. He described him as the 'silent dominator'. Plenty go soft on Rooney and Neville's end of season sit down with him was as cosy as an interview with Lorraine Kelly.