In a similar way to Arsenal, United and specifically the Glaziers, have made a massive investment into youth. Both in terms of wages and transfer fees. I think that directive came from Fergie. In my opinion influenced by the incredible spending power of Chelsea and more recently City, like Arsenal, they decided the best way to compete was to strengthen the foundations of the club from the ground up.
Like Capi, I reckon Rooney thinks the quality of the squad won't prove good enough when Fergie is not the one holding it all together, and it's as clear as day that Fergie hasn't got much more left in him.
Again in a similar way to Arsenal, now they've committed so much money to this squad, based on its potential, and not necessarily its current contributions/abilities - the money isn't there to scrap that idea and rebuild. the difference, for me, between Arsenal and Man United, is that Wenger has done a much better job of investing that money, in identifying young talents who can make it to the top - and he's done it on a much smaller budget.
If a new manager took over United tomorrow, he'd have to be superman to make them amongst the very best again, without serious investment. It's as clear as day that Rooney doesn't see that happening, and he is very, very well positioned to know. So it's promising for us. I'd say there is a definite comparison to be drawn with Thierry Henry's departure in 2007.
