Wayne Rooney

Manchester United are reportedly planning to offer club captain Wayne Rooney as part of a player-plus-cash deal to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. 

Lukaku has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past, and the Mirror's John Cross and David McDonnell reported Rooney's speculated exit from United could open the door for its materialisation.

Per Cross and McDonnell, Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright held talks with Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, in London on Wednesday, adding fuel to talk that this could lead to the forward's reunion with his boyhood club.

The speculation surrounding Rooney's potential return to Goodison has picked up pace, and BBC Sport's Phil McNulty recently suggested it could be completed in a matter of days, via BBC 5 live Sport:

Wayne Rooney to Everton 'could be finalised by the weekend'.@PhilMcNulty has the latest.

A gamble for #EFC? pic.twitter.com/dlMNfeSyp8

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 5, 2017

The 31-year-old joined the Red Devils in a £27 million deal in 2004, at which point he was arguably the best youngster produced by Everton's academy and already established as a Premier League player.

Times have changed a lot since then, however, and the Telegraph's Matt Law echoed some words of caution regarding how the Merseyside club's money may be invested:

So Everton won't pay Ross Barkley £130k a week but will play Wayne Rooney £250k a week. That doesn't make sense to me.

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 5, 2017

Some Toffees fans may argue that Lukaku leaving for Old Trafford doesn't equate to signing Rooney, whose value to the deal and what he can offer in terms of being a makeweight will attract some debate.

Interest in the Belgium international has emerged amid reports of United's desire to sign Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata, per Metro's Mark Brus, although the Manchester Evening News' Hesham Bilal-Hafiz has teed up their potential partnership as a successful one:

Still cautious over reports but Morata (big game player) and Lukaku (flat track bully) is a perfectly complimented duo if it happened.

— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) July 5, 2017

United are in need of a striking alternative after a serious knee injury meant Zlatan Ibrahimovic was forced to cut short his time at the club, and Lukaku would strike as a savvy signing.

However, manager Jose Mourinho would be required to break the world transfer record for the second summer in succession is he were to land Lukaku, who has a £100 million price tag, per the Daily Mail's Matt Lawton.

Everton aren't taking any prisoners in their efforts to strengthen this year and have already conducted major deals to sign Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Jordan Pickford (Sunderland) and Sandro Ramirez (Malaga).

Rooney's proposed return to Merseyside would spell the end of a great United era and the reopening of an old one at Goodison Park, the question being whether it will be a part of any Lukaku move to Manchester.

Wayne Rooney is reportedly set to meet Everton manager Ronald Koeman ahead of a return to the club from Manchester United, with whom he will not be heading to the United States for a pre-season tour. 

ITV Sport's Sam Matterface and The Sun's Neil Custis reported as much:

Rooney meeting Koeman soon, if that goes well should be rubber stamped by the end of the week. Looks like he is going home.

— Sam Matterface (@sammatterface) July 4, 2017

EXCL: Rooney IS going to Everton.
OFF Utd US tour.
GONE by end of the week.
All done.

— Neil Custis (@ncustisTheSun) July 4, 2017

According to the latter, Rooney will move on a free transfer to Goodison Park but will not take a pay cut on his £250,000-per-week wages, though The Mirror's David McDonnell reported the deal might actually be a loan move with the Red Devils fielding half of his wages.

Per Custis, Rooney is said to have agreed to the move after talking it over with his family, and the deal is said to have been confirmed by "sources close to both clubs."

Joe.co.uk's Nooruddean Choudry is holding off on reflecting on Rooney's 13-year spell at Old Trafford until he has officially moved on:

It's not until he leaves that he can be properly appreciated for what he did at United

— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) July 4, 2017

Talk of his return to boyhood club Everton has gathered momentum, though, so it appears at this stage to be more or less a formality.

The 31-year-old should have several good years left in him, but his decline over the last two seasons has been noticeable, perhaps as a result of him starting so young having broken into Everton's first team at just 16.

Given the wages he's on and coupled with his decreasing effectiveness, it's clear United needed to get him off the books this summer.

BigSport's Adam Sweeney recognised as much while simultaneously remembering his incredible achievements at the club:

Too many fans have very short memories. Wayne Rooney has been some servant to United, and one of the most talented we've had.

— Adam Sweeney (@AdamWSweeney) July 4, 2017

His return to Everton might be viewed with similar ambivalence by Toffees supporters.

It's a romantic move to potentially end his career on, but such is his decline, he has not only struggled to contribute at United, he may not even be good enough for Everton any more.

Bleacher Report's Matt Jones isn't thrilled at the prospect:

Have been against the idea of #EFC signing Rooney for a while. Hopefully a return can enliven him. But it's hard not to have major doubts

— Matt Jones (@MattJFootball) July 4, 2017

What Rooney will have at Goodison Park is unrivalled experience. His time at Old Trafford was remarkably successful, and he won five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, as well as the UEFA Europa League, FA Cup and three League Cups.

He has also served as captain both for the Red Devils and England, so he could be a highly beneficial presence in the dressing room.

However, if that is all he manages to bring, it will be difficult to justify paying him the same wages he currently receives, so a loan move would be better for the Toffees.

Even so, £125,000 per week is still a lot for a player who may not have much to give on the pitch, but it's a much less risky move than shouldering his full wage packet.

Everton are reportedly ready to intensify their interest in Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, with the two clubs also said to have held talks about Toffees forward Romelu Lukaku. 

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, "Everton's desire to strike a deal for the 31-year-old is now clear" although there is still work to be done on a possible move, with the United man's £250,000-a-week wages representing a potential stumbling block.

Joyce also suggested Lukaku has come up in talks between the two clubs. "The situation has been discussed over the past week and the clubs have also been talking about Lukaku, who is wanted by both United and Chelsea," he continued.

Reports of United's potential interest in Lukaku come after suggestions Chelsea are growing frustrated in their pursuit of the Belgium international. According to David Anderson of the Daily Mirror, the Blues are finding it tough to move Diego Costa on, which is holding up their chase for the Everton man.

While suggestions Lukaku could return to Chelsea are cooling, the prospect of a Rooney reunion with Everton is heating up.

It was reported by TalkSport on Monday that a deal was "almost inevitable" for the England captain, who left the Toffees in 2004 to join United. At Old Trafford he has become the club's all-time record goalscorer, won five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

A trophy with his boyhood club would mean a lot, though, and it appears Everton are preparing themselves for a big push next season. As we can see, the Toffees have been busy early in the transfer window:

Everton are on the move this summer 🔵 pic.twitter.com/YuuIs3Jhg9

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2017

So far, Ronald Koeman's side have landed dynamic young players on an upward trajectory in their career. Rooney would be a little different.

The 31-year-old struggled for form last term and was dropped early in the season by manager Jose Mourinho. Rooney never earned a regular place back in the side and struggled to make an impact on many matches.

Still, if he were to move on, United would need to add more firepower up front. Lukaku, potentially, would bring that. Per Squawka Football, he was a goal machine last term:

Romelu Lukaku scored 24 goals from inside the penalty area last season; no Premier League player scored more.

Pure finisher. pic.twitter.com/6Lz56U9fC4

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 28, 2017

For United, he would be a fine acquisition. So often in 2016-17, Mourinho watched his side spurn fantastic opportunities after neat approach play, resulting in far too many draws and points dropped, especially on home soil.

While Rooney wouldn't be the most costly acquisition for Everton at this late stage in his career, the Red Devils would have to part with some serious money to land Lukaku. As reported by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, the Toffees value their No. 10 at £100 million.

Still, with his best years ahead of him and a proven track record in the Premier League, the 24-year-old would potentially be a quick fix to a chronic problem for United.

Wayne Rooney's potential move from Manchester United to Everton is reportedly "almost inevitable."

According to TalkSport, the Toffees are expecting to secure a deal for their former player, who left the club for the Red Devils in 2004. 

"Manchester United's record goalscorer is weighing up his future having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following Jose Mourinho's arrival as manager," the report continued.

"Rooney has insisted he will not play for any other Premier League club but Everton—the team he supported as a youngster and with whom he made his professional debut—should he quit United."

Dean Jones believes a transfer for Rooney will be accelerated should Romelu Lukaku move to Chelsea:

Once Lukaku deal to Chelsea is sorted we'll most likely see this Rooney situation kick on https://t.co/zUj4RXFvBc

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) July 3, 2017

As noted, Rooney struggled during the previous campaign, with Mourinho eventually dropping the United skipper after a poor start to the season.

Still, the season was a memorable one for the 31-year-old. Rooney lifted two trophies as club captain—the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League—and also broke United's all-time goalscoring record.

The striker's time at Old Trafford looks like it may be up, though, with Marcus Rashford usurping him in the pecking order. In attacking midfield, Mourinho has Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial to call upon.

A return to Everton would be one for the romantics. Ben Grounds of MailOnline suggested it's a switch that may reignite Rooney's career:

He can easily take a 100k hit at 31. He still feels capable of playing at a high level and China/MLS riches can come in two/three years.

— Ben Grounds (@Ben_Islington) May 25, 2017

Rooney was a passionate Everton supporter as a youngster after all, and having settled into a comfort zone at United, a new challenge at his boyhood club would potentially be invigorating.

The Toffees are putting together a strong squad for next season. There are doubts as to whether Lukaku will remain at the club, but Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen have already signed, with Michael Keane and Sandro Ramirez expected to follow, per Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo.

Rooney, as a result, would be involved in an ambitious project if he were to make the switch to Goodison Park. The statistics suggest the forward can still have an impact in the final third too, per Squawka Football:

Most league goals and assists for Man Utd since 2015/16:

Anthony Martial (25)
Wayne Rooney (24)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (22)
Juan Mata (20) pic.twitter.com/af1kFFgsDL

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 25, 2017

But the previous campaign was Rooney's toughest, as his touch, tenacity and explosiveness faded. At times it was difficult to watch the United No. 10, as he clogged up attacks and gave possession away frequently in the final third.

While a switch back to Everton could enliven Rooney, his decline has been drastic over the last 12 months. At the moment, he's at odds with the dynamic and youthful acquisitions the Toffees have made in the transfer window.

Manchester United reportedly submitted a €50 million (£44 million) bid for AS Monaco star Fabinho on Friday.

According to GianlucaDiMarzio.com, United's offer ended Juventus' interest in the Brazilian.

The holding midfielder played a key role in Monaco's Ligue 1 title win last season, and he can also play at right-back, having featured there before his transition into the centre of the park.

Fabinho excels at the defensive side of the game thanks to his superb ball-winning skills and intelligent play.

According to Squawka, he won 77 tackles and 63 headed duels in Ligue 1 last season, making 54 interceptions and 73 clearances.

He also created 33 chances for his team-mates, and he's as composed as anyone from the penalty spot, per Squawka Football:

Fabinho's penalty record for Monaco across all competitions:

16 taken ✅
15 scored ⚽️
1 missed ❌

Not-so-secret talent.  pic.twitter.com/eC1DZdK6Tm

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 23, 2017

Football writer Ryan Baldi believes he could help United become Premier League title challengers again:

#MUFC signing Fabinho has the potential to be as transformative as Chelsea signing Kanté was last season.

— Ryan Baldi (@RyanBaldi_) June 23, 2017

The 23-year-old would fill a glaring hole in the Red Devils midfield, as a soon-to-be-36-year-old Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini are their main options to feature alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.

While Fabinho is hardly devoid of creativity, his defensive capabilities would free up Pogba to roam forward, and the pair and Herrera would be an incredibly dynamic trio.

Squawka's Greg Johnson believes Fabinho could help Pogba shine:

https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/878390475417415680

Fabinho should be considered a must-buy for United this summer.

Meanwhile, according to the Mirror's David Anderson, the Red Devils are struggling to offload Wayne Rooney because of their desire to receive a transfer fee for him and the forward's enormous £300,000-per-week wages.

Rooney has the option of extending his deal for another season after the 2017/18 campaign, but United "are not prepared to rip up his contract and let him leave for nothing." Nor do they want to "fund a huge chunk of Rooney's salary to help him find a move," according to Anderson.

The 31-year-old has declined noticeably in recent years and was steadily phased out of the side by manager Jose Mourinho over the course of last season.

In May, ESPN's Alex Shaw reflected on just how good Rooney was at the peak of his powers:

Record MUFC/England scorer. Most Manc Derby goals, huge goals against AFC/LFC. Volleys, half way line goals, solo goals. He was so, so good.

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) May 22, 2017

However, he is far from those days, as Shaw and football journalist Richard Buxton noted:

https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/866633994049290242

Despite his reduced role last season, the former Everton man still contributed eight goals and 10 assists. But, while that could indicate he might still be able to do a job for a team at a lower level than United, it's no surprise the club has found it difficult to convince a suitor to take on the burden of his wages.

Unless he's willing to take a significant pay cut in exchange for regular football, Rooney may well be left kicking his heels on the bench at Old Trafford next season, taking up valuable resources that could be spent elsewhere.

Wayne Rooney has been left out of the England squad for their upcoming matches against Scotland and France.

News of manager Gareth Southgate's 23-man selection for those fixtures came on Thursday, per the national team's official Twitter account:

25 players have been called up for the #ThreeLions' games against Scotland and France next month.

Read more: https://t.co/jnOOHdYjj1 pic.twitter.com/bp6zpRNRaf

— England (@England) May 25, 2017

Three Lions skipper Rooney missed the team's previous two matches against Germany and Lithuania in March due to an injury.

Elsewhere, after a strong finish to the Premier League season, there is a call-up for Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kieran Trippier, while Middlesbrough centre-back Ben Gibson is also included in a defender-heavy squad.

After a season battling with injury problems, Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is back in contention for a start with the national team, too. He is one of four 'keepers selected by Southgate.

Up top, Jermain Defoe keeps his place after netting on his return to the England side against Lithuania. Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy are the other options to lead the line.

England will travel to Scotland for a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 10, before they visit France on June 13 for a friendly.

           

Squad Recap

Given there are so many goalkeepers and defenders in this squad, the decision to omit Rooney is one that will raise eyebrows.

The skipper hasn't enjoyed his best campaign, although he did start the final three games of the Premier League season for Manchester United. As it stands, the 31-year-old's international future looks to be up in the air.

There are some exciting names included, though, most notably Trippier, who has excelled for Tottenham in recent weeks. The former Burnley man has usurped Kyle Walker at right-back, providing a major threat on the flank. 

Per Squawka Football, England are well stocked at the position, with Liverpool's Nathaniel Clyne also involved:

Most assists by Premier League defenders in 2016/17:

Kieran Trippier (5)
Kyle Walker (5)

Both play for Spurs ⚪️🔵
Both play for England 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/t0WoRGgUyE

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 25, 2017

Gibson will also get a chance to impress the manager. Although he was relegated with Middlesbrough this season, the centre-back has showcased a lot of quality in his defending and excellent leadership skills. Should Southgate utilise a back three, he would be a useful option.

At the other end of the pitch, Defoe is another player who can hold his head up high despite suffering relegation from the Premier League.

The veteran poacher was operating at the point of a moribund Sunderland side throughout the campaign, but he still managed to score an impressive 15 goals.

The Black Cats' plight would have been a lot worse without the 34-year-old, per WhoScored.com:

Jermain Defoe: Scored a higher proportion of his team's goals (51.7%) than any other player in the Premier League this season pic.twitter.com/jd38ceRDZo

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 23, 2017

Butland came back into the Stoke side in April, and after an expectedly rusty start, he was back at his best in the Potters' 1-0 win over Southampton on the final day. After disappointing seasons for Joe Hart with Torino and Fraser Forster with Saints, Butland will hope to make his case to be considered the England No. 1.

England are in a strong position to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as they sit at the top of Group F, four points clear of Slovakia in second.

They visit Hampden Park knowing a win over their rivals would be a big step towards winning the group, although Scotland can thrust themselves back into contention if they secure a memorable three points.

Wayne Rooney has donated £100,000 to the victims of the Manchester Arena Bombing, and between them, Manchester United and Manchester City will donate £1 million.

The Press Association and The Times' Paul Hirst relayed the news:

#Breaking Manchester United and Manchester City have pledged £1million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, the clubs have announced pic.twitter.com/hu55Khsl56

— PA Sport (@pasport) May 25, 2017

Mufc and Mcfc pledge £1million to emergency fund set up in the wake of the Manchester terror attack pic.twitter.com/hWkHnfdFl0

— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) May 25, 2017

Meanwhile, per the Mirror's Steve Robson, Rooney has donated the six-figure sum through The Wayne Rooney Foundation.

In a statement on his charity's official website, Rooney said: 

Wayne Rooney has donated £100,000 to the victims of the Manchester attack 👏🏼https://t.co/tPCoYe7VMK pic.twitter.com/F4e8PeyDNW

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 25, 2017

He added: "Like so many others, I have enjoyed great nights at the arena, often with my family.

"As a father, I am horrified that a night out for so many young people could end so tragically. My heart goes out all those affected. Please give whatever you can."

Robson added former United veteran Phil Neville has also lent his support by providing food for staff and patients at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Per United's official website, the two Manchester clubs' pledge has taken the total raised by the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund beyond £3 million, which also includes £1 million raised by the Manchester Evening News' crowd-funded #westandtogether campaign.

The Red Devils dedicated Wednesday's UEFA Europa League win against Ajax to the 22 victims who were killed in the bombing, which has also left 75 people in hospital, per the BBC.

United midfielder Ander Herrera spoke eloquently about the tragedy in his post-match press conference:

A heartfelt message from Ander Herrera after last night's final... pic.twitter.com/pl07gneTcK

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2017

Per Robson, a donation of £5 can be made by texting "CityUnited" to 70800, or donations can be given online at BT.com/Rooney.

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney reportedly lost £500,000 during a two-hour gambling session at the 235 Casino in Manchester.

That's according to the Daily Mirror's Keith Perry, who reports the veteran striker hit the casino to play roulette and blackjack after the match against FC Rostov in the UEFA Europa League in March.

The report quoted a witness, who said:

"Wayne was being extremely reckless, laying down chips which amounted to massive bets.

"He was drinking bottles of beer. But he wasn't drunk. He was more interested in the gambling than drinking.

"He was gambling a lot on red when he was playing roulette—which seemed appropriate—and was putting long-shot bets on solo numbers. He kept losing but that just prompted him to bet more."

The Guardian's Barry Glendenning focused on another detail of the report:

https://twitter.com/bglendenning/status/863743737310085121

According to Perry, Rooney has previously said he and his wife Coleen have clashed over his gambling in the past.

He reportedly returned to the casino last week, limiting his losses to £200 this time around.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Everton forward Romelu Lukaku his primary summer transfer target, with the Red Devils said to be willing to include captain Wayne Rooney in any deal.

According to Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, Mourinho wants to strengthen his attack with two strikers this summer and has identified Lukaku as one. However, it's suggested the Toffees are holding out for a whopping £100 million before they decide to sell the Premier League's top goalscorer.

In the piece, it's also noted United are not willing to part with that type of money and will seek to use Rooney as a makeweight.

"Everton are reluctant to offer more than £10 million for Rooney, who will have to take a £100,000-per-week pay cut if he returns to his boyhood club," Wheeler reported. "Rooney accepts he will leave United this summer despite claiming earlier this week that he wants to continue at Old Trafford."

Lukaku has enjoyed a fine campaign for Everton, netting 24 goals and grabbing six assists for the Toffees in the Premier League. Per Het Laatste Nieuws' Kristof Terreur, the 24-year-old has an incredible goalscoring record:

Romelu Lukaku turns 24 today. 🎁🎉. His career so far, international games included:

⏱ 372 games
⚽️ 164 goals#efc pic.twitter.com/NfN5SIkiHG

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) May 13, 2017

And while there are areas in his game—most notably in terms of holdup play and work rate—that leave a lot to be desired, Lukaku has proved himself to be a difference-maker at the highest level.

The Belgium international is deadly inside the penalty area. In a blue shirt this season, the striker has scored many different types of goals. In the Premier League, it's difficult to think of a more natural goalscorer than the Everton man.

For a United team that has drawn far too many games this season, Lukaku is the type of player who would give them an edge. Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette believes as much:

Griezmann and Lukaku are well within our capability of getting. If we add goal-scorers, we’re not far from changing draws into wins. #MUFC

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) April 13, 2017

Getting him away from Everton may be challenging, though, especially if the Toffees stand by their £100 million valuation.

However, Rooney "is determined to go on his own terms and will not accept being a makeweight—unless the deal is right," according to Wheeler. It's also noted the 31-year-old may be able to pick up a more lucrative salary if he takes up an option from Major League Soccer or the Chinese Super League.

The man himself recently suggested he is keen to stay at Old Trafford for a while yet despite the speculation surrounding his future:

Wayne Rooney isn’t giving up on his Manchester United career just yet 👊 pic.twitter.com/fCOPU216M0

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 10, 2017

United's interest in Lukaku makes sense given the goalscoring woes they've had this season. But for Everton, bringing in Rooney doesn't.

The England international may have ties to his boyhood club, and perhaps a move back to Goodison Park would reignite a career that has stalled. But based on recent performances, it's difficult to see where the 31-year-old fits into this Everton team, especially if the Toffees strengthen this summer.

Lukaku may not be worth £100 million to United, but his goals make him worth that much to Everton, as he'd be so difficult to replace. It means the Red Devils may be looking at paying a world-record transfer fee for the second consecutive summer if they want to snap up the striker.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has declared his intention to remain at Old Trafford next season despite growing speculation he could leave the Red Devils this summer. 

The Mirror's Marc Isaacs provided quotes from Rooney after he reiterated his desire to remain a part of the United squad under manager Jose Mourinho—as long as he can play regular first-team football:

“I haven’t thrown my toys out of the pram but I do want to play to help the team. Football changes. You have different challenges in your career. I would like to play more but I’ve tried 2 help the team on and off pitch. Of course you want to play every game. I’ve had to try to take my chance when called upon. I try to do my best for the team.”

“I’ve been at this club 13 years, of course I want to play football. Here? Of course. The more I can play the better for me and more I can help team.”

The news fell on the same day that Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, was pictured leaving the Lowry Hotel in Manchester minutes before Mourinho, per the MailOnline's Daniel Matthews, although the player's future reportedly was not on the agenda.

Matthews also mentioned in his report that teams from Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League have been linked with the player, and they may be some of the only parties willing to meet his wage demands.

It's also said boyhood club Everton could be in the chase to re-sign their former star, although Rooney would be required to take a salary cut "of at least £100,000-per-week" in order for that move to materialise.

Rooney's expectation of "regular first-team football" may be hard to realise at Old Trafford, especially given he's now seen as a midfield option in an engine room that also holds Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick.

The former England captain's £300,000-per-week wages are also a heavy burden for United considering he's made just 12 Premier League starts this term, although blogger Liam Canning has spoken highly of his commercial appeal:

Commercially, Rooney's still very attractive which is why he'll have offers. I would presume low transfer fee to offset wages + Lukaku talks

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) May 8, 2017

The veteran arrived at the Theatre of Dreams as a teenager in 2004 and has established himself as a cult hero with United, but it's become increasingly clear of late that Rooney's best days are long behind him.

The 31-year-old recently appeared in United's marketing campaign for next season's Adidas kit, although Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News isn't fooled that means he'll be around to play in it:

The gullible will think Rooney is, too.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 10, 2017

The fact Rooney rose at such an early stage in his career naturally means the inevitable fall could well come sooner than expected, too, which appears to be the case if his outing against Arsenal on Sunday was much to go by.

England's all-time top scorer was at the root of United's success for much of the past decade or so, and even though he wishes to stay at Old Trafford, the deciding factor will be whether he's wanted in return.