[Videos] Rooney & Van Persie Both Miss Open Goals v Leverkusen – Which Was Worse?

Manchester United eased to a 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen in their opening group stage match of the Champions League on Tuesday night with both Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie getting themselves on the score-sheet. However, the match will also be remembered for two spectacular open goal misses from the pair.

Rooney’s Miss

First up was Rooney. With the scoreline still in the balance at 1-0, the 28-year-old seized on a slip by a Leverkusen defender to collect possession in the box. The England forward rounded goalkeeper Leno and with the goal at his mercy and RVP ready for a possible cut-back, Rooney inexplicable dragged his shot wide of the mark.

Van Persie Miss

Next up was the Dutch master, van Persie. With the score at a far more comfortable 4-1, Valencia got the better of his man to fire a powerful cross into the Leverkusen box. The ball evaded everyone and found it’s way to van Persie who was waiting at the far post. The former Arsenal man was 3 yards out, on his preferred left-foot and had the the simplest of tasks to tap the ball home into the empty net but he somehow managed to put his effort wide of the post.

So which miss was the worst? I personally feel it was van Persie’s. Rooney was at a far tighter angle and he was on his weaker foot. Although he did have more time, and could even have taken a touch or pulled it back to his strike partner, once he elected to shoot first time it was a more difficult chance than RVP’s.

The Dutchman really has no excuse for his miss. The game was safe, he was under no pressure and was in the middle of the goal on his lethal left foot. It should be a goal every time for a player of his class.

What do you think? Who missed the easiest chance? Share your opinions below.