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Most Manchester United supporters have come to terms with the fact that Wayne Rooney’s United career is soon coming to an end. He is no longer a first choice player - and quite frankly, not even second choice in any position - and José Mourinho has been notably non-committal about the skipper’s future at the club. But while most expected a transfer out this coming summer, The Telegraph is reporting that #Wexit (sorry, sorry) could happen as soon as this month.
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At least two Chinese Super League clubs with more money than sense - Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao - are apparently willing to part with a fortune in wages to secure Rooney’s services. Rooney may well to be too proud to accept a move to China, as it would amount to an admission that his top flight career is over. That said, with £32 million (!) a year reportedly on the table, only a madman wouldn’t at least consider the option.
Rooney is currently carrying a minor injury, but such is his diminished status these days that his absence from Thursday’s Europa League squad was met with a collective shrug. Now that Rooney has finally done the inevitable and become United’s all-time leading goal-scorer, there is less incentive for him to stick around twiddling his thumbs on the bench. Mourinho will almost certainly strengthen United’s attack in the summer, further relegating Rooney to uselessness.
Is there any value in value in keeping Rooney beyond the end of the month, other than nostalgia? Does he still have a contribution to make as United chase glory on (technically) four fronts? Have your say below.