The importance of Rooney is clear to see

If England fans were in any doubt about the importance of Wayne Rooney to the World Cup cause, they only needed to cast a glance towards Old Trafford on Saturday to clarify this.

A Rooney-less Manchester United were quite simply ripped apart on their own patch in the first half by title rivals Chelsea. Joe Cole’s deft flick handed Chelsea the lead at the break, but it was barely a reflection of their dominance. United improved after the break, it would have been difficult to get any worse, but Didier Drogba climbed off the bench to double the advantage – albeit from an offside position. Federico Macheda set up a grandstand finish with a goal as controversial as Drogba’s, but Chelsea held on.

For the final 30 minutes, United were the better side but they lacked the zip and attacking instincts of a man sat in the stands watching on in frustration. Chelsea were short of their best, too often they gave the ball away and Nicolas Anelka was ineffective, but they did not have to be at their best as United sorely missed their talisman.

Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested United can cope without Rooney, but you get the impression that assertion may need to be reassessed and if Fabio Capello was watching, there will be a Latin nod of agreement.

Rooney is likely to be out for around three weeks, by which time United’s season could be in tatters. Bad for the red half of Manchester, good for England’s World Cup bid. Rooney is a player who thrives on games, he has been sensational all season for United without a break but even a player with the desire for football such as Rooney could feel the effects of a long season.

Rooney is also a player who needs games before coming to the boil and provided he comes back into contention by the end of April he will have three games in which to find his sharpness before linking up with England for their tilt at World Cup glory.