suggest that Rooney has lost his gifts, of course; he remains the most naturally brilliant footballer the nation has produced since that other fallen idol, Paul Gascoigne. But that he has not displayed them for some considerable time is unquestionable. His World Cup was poor. He has scored just twice for United in the last eight months. Part of that, of course, may be down to injury: the calf problem sustained in Munich in March seemed to trouble him until the end of England's involvement in South Africa and, maybe, beyond. Part of it may be psychological: Rooney could not be expected to perform at his best with problems at home and, from August 14, at work. Whatever the cause, the effect remains the same. The Wayne Rooney the nation sees now is not the Wayne Rooney they fell in love with. They may yet fall for him all over again. They will not, though, offer their hearts to a pale imitation of their former flame.