Wayne Rooney set to be given a reality check by Atlanta

MLS
Sky Sports Football, 8.30pm Saturday

Wayne Rooney’s American adventure got off to the best possible start last week as he came off the bench to help DC United beat Vancouver 3-1.

The former England captain entered the action with just over half an hour to play at Audi Field and had an immediate impact, helping lay on two goals for midfielder Paul Arriola.

However, things are about to get much tougher for Rooney and his new club when they head to Eastern Conference leaders Atlanta on Saturday evening.

While DC chiefs are hoping that Rooney’s arrival can help drag their side off the foot of the table, there are no such problems for Atlanta, who have defied all perceived wisdom of what is expected of new franchises since entering the league last term.

Atlanta finished third in their debut season before a creditable playoff-round exit but Gerardo Martino’s side have much grander ambitions this time.

The Five Stripes have surged to the top of the Eastern Conference with more than half of the season gone and are 9-2 favourites to win the MLS Cup in their second season.

Former Barcelona manager Martino has embedded a high-intensity, attacking philosophy in his short time as Atlanta boss which has formed the basis of their ascent to the top of the table.

Atlanta have netted a league-high 43 goals this term and while they were frustrated by a defensive-minded Seattle (1-1) last time out, they could take out their frustrations on Rooney and his new teammates.

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