29 April,2011 07:59 AM IST | | PA Sport
Ryan Giggs is not in the least bit surprised at Wayne Rooney's return to form.
Any lingering doubts about whether Rooney was back to his best after a difficult year were surely dispelled by the 25-year-old's performance in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday night.
Not only did Rooney scored the vital second goal in a two-goal triumph that means Manchester United are virtually certain to claim a place in the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28, he delivered a mature performance he has tended to look incapable of in years gone by.
He followed up by admitting he got it wrong ufffd big style ufffd with his much-publicised concerns about Sir Alex Ferguson's current squad, worries which triggered an ill-advised transfer request.
Now Rooney appears to be committed to United for the long haul, which is just as well.
As United's elder statesman, Giggs realises it won't be long before he must hand over the responsibility he has carried for so long to others.
And in Rooney, the veteran Welshman knows they have the right man for the big occasion.
"I am not surprised at what Wayne is doing," said Giggs.
"The top players perform when the trophies are about to be handed out. They produce moments of inspiration when it matters. Wayne has done that time and time again over the years, so it was hardly a shock he was superb against Schalke."
