Our Beloved Scouser

As the fans started to make their way out of Stamford Bridge on Saturday, somberly seeking any news about the status of Manchester United's beloved Wayne Rooney. "How is he?" they asked, their eyes showed the fear in there hearts. All of them had seen him felled at speed, seen him clutching his right foot as he rolled on the ground in utter agony. "I hope it’s not serious," the fans said. And these were Chelsea diehards.

"I love England as well," one of the Blues explained. They clearly understand that Rooney represents only one club, United, but he also represents England's best chance of winning the World Cup this summer. The sight of Rooney being stretchered off may be the precursor to England's coming World Cup effort.

Chelsea fans are included in the apprehension that has begun to envelope England. When one of their number uttered a tasteless joke about a passing ambulance being "Rooney's taxi" he was bluntly condemned. Rooney, for being United through and through, is a special talent who belongs to the nation. There is no other player whose injury would so dispirit even rival fans.

It is no wonder Chelsea players sought to enter the away dressing room following the match. John Terry and Joe Cole were turned away by United's security. "When I saw the stretcher come on for Wayne, I thought, 'Oh s***'," Cole said. "He's a mate. But however long they say he'll be injured for, I'm sure it will be half or three-quarters that because he has a winning character." Rooney does, but he fights nature - only a miracle will heal his metatarsal in time.

The silence that seized the Bridge encapsulated the immense respect Rooney has and deserves. The PFA Young Player of the Year was also a victim of his own innate commitment, chasing a loose ball when the game, and with it the title race, was over. It was his final, doomed run that makes Rooney so special, competing when others have surrendered.