Wayne Rooney

Harry Redknapp believes Wayne Rooney could improve Arsenal "overnight" if he signed for the Gunners and that his leadership would be "invaluable" to them.

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers boss wrote as much in his column for the Evening Standard, and he thinks Arsenal should take a gamble on the Manchester United man. 

"He would improve that team overnight because they have an issue with attitude, and he is a winner," the 69-year-old said.

Redknapp added there was no one in Arsenal's team to marshall their younger players during Monday's FA Cup win over Sutton United or motivate them if they made mistakes: "Rooney would be someone out there on his team-mates' case, digging them out if they aren't at it. That would be invaluable for Arsenal."

The 31-year-old's Old Trafford career seems to be drawing to a close after losing his place in the side under manager Jose Mourinho. Rooney remains United's captain, though, and is also England skipper, so he's accustomed to being in a leadership position.

A lack of on-field leadership has been a problem at Arsenal since Patrick Vieira left in 2005—it's no coincidence they've failed to win the Premier League title in the intervening years—and that is also routinely embodied during their yearly UEFA Champions League exit in the round of 16.

The Gunners look set to do so again after being humiliated 5-1 at the hands of Bayern Munich, and as sports writer Ewan MacKenna noted, such defeats are now routine at Arsenal:

Rooney possesses the winning mentality many Arsenal players lack, having won five Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford, but he's perhaps not the player they truly need to solve their woes.

His decline in quality in recent years—even if he has produced five goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season without being a regular starter—has been fairly significant, and he'd no longer be good enough to hold down a place at Arsenal either.

If he did join, he'd be more worthy of the captain's armband than the likes of Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs—who respectively captained the club against Sutton and for some of the match with Bayern—but he doesn't appear to be the natural leader Arsenal need.

His captaincy with the Three Lions was perhaps awarded more because of his status and a lack of other senior outfield players when Steven Gerrard retired from international football, while at United, he doesn't convince as a skipper in the same way as predecessors Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic did.

That's not to say he entirely lacks leadership qualities. His status would command some respect, but Arsenal's problems run deeper than the solutions Rooney can provide. His decline in performance might also be a hindrance on the pitch, which the Gunners can hardly afford in their most important games.

Manchester United's ambitions received a blow on Wednesday after Henrikh Mkhitaryan was substituted with an injury during their UEFA Europa League match against AS Saint-Etienne. 

As reported by Simon Peach of the Press Association, the Armenia international was spotted holding the back of his leg as he left the pitch, suggesting he tweaked his hamstring:

Just minutes before the substitution, Mkhitaryan stretched to give his side the lead. 

The Armenian was brought in over the summer after a sensational year with Borussia Dortmund, in which he bagged an incredible 23 goals and 32 assists in all competitions and won the Bundesliga's Player of the Year award.

The 28-year-old has had relatively little opportunity to replicate his form this season after being left out of the side for almost two months following his substitution at half-time in the Manchester derby in September, but he has shone since being handed a start against Feyenoord in the UEFA Europa League in November.

The midfielder's energy brings pace to United's attack, while his skill, creativity and dribbling are almost unrivalled in the Red Devils squad.

With Mkhitaryan out, United are likely to be far slower and less dynamic in the final third. The injury couldn't come at a worse time, with the EFL Cup final against Southampton on Sunday, the battle for a top-four finish heating up in the Premier League and Chelsea awaiting in the FA Cup quarter-final in less than three weeks. 

The goalscoring and creative talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial should be capable of mitigating his absence if they perform at their best, but Mkhitaryan will be missed—United are at their peak with him in the side.

Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian made an approach for Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney but decided that he did not fit their style, according to manager Fabio Cannavaro. 

The former Italy defender revealed his club were more interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang than Rooney, 31, and they are still trying to snap up Fiorentina's Nikola Kalinic, per Tianjin TV (h/t the Mirror's Alex Richards):

We did make an approach for Rooney, but it was just a chat because he simply doesn’t suit our style of play. No further discussion was necessary.

The truth is we had more frequent contact with Aubameyang. Unfortunately, our bid was rejected by Borussia Dortmund who said he was needed in this season's Champions League. 

Our prime target is still Kalinic, but it's quite difficult for his club to let him leave at the moment. Under such circumstances, we are caught in a dilemma. I need to communicate with our managing director.

Per Richards, Rooney has been "given the green light to move to China," as he is now some way down the pecking order in Jose Mourinho's side, and he could make up to £30 million per year in the Chinese Super League.

Mourinho recently refused to rule out the possibility that Rooney could leave United:

It followed a report that suggested the former Everton man could be tempted to China before its transfer window closes at the end of February, per James Ducker in the Telegraph.

Rooney has not started a Premier League game since before Christmas and has only made 17 appearances in the English top flight in 2016-17—nine of them from the bench—per WhoScored.com.

He broke Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goalscoring record for United with a stunning late equaliser against Stoke City in January, but he has been usurped as the Red Devils' No. 1 striker by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The England captain is also being kept out of the United side by the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, and it can be argued he is no longer needed at the club.

Rooney is still contracted to United until 2019 so the Manchester outfit could demand a hefty fee for their captain, especially as he would be the most high-profile player to move to China since the league's recent rush to sign European stars.

While Tianjin Quanjian are seemingly not interested in Rooney, Ducker reported Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou Evergrande as his key suitors.

It is still possible that Rooney's 12-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford could come to a close before the end of the month, and rumours will persist about a potential summer departure even if he does not leave in February. 

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is reportedly ready to leave the club in search of more frequent playing time.   

According to Simon Jones and Chris Wheeler for the Daily Mail, the 31-year-old "is unhappy with a reduced role under [manager] Jose Mourinho" and is set to call time on his 13-year career at Old Trafford.

The report also said a Chinese Super League club offered Rooney a whopping annual salary of £35 million ahead of their transfer window's closure next Tuesday, although it's unlikely he will leave United this month. Former club Everton are also said to be interested in a transfer.   

"The writing is on the wall for Wayne," a source told Jones and Wheeler. "He can see what's happening. He's playing less and believes he still has a lot to give. He won't want to continue here like this."

According to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror, United have given Rooney the go-ahead to move to China, where he would become the highest-paid player in world football on £750,000 a week.

Neil Henderson of BBC News shared a look at the publication's reporting:

On Tuesday, Mourinho refused to guarantee that Rooney would be at the club come the end of the season.

"Of course I can't guarantee," the Portuguese said, per the initial source. "I cannot guarantee that I'm here next week; how can I guarantee that a player is here next season?"

He added: "I don’t want him to leave."

Rooney has only made eight Premier League starts this campaign, with the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the rise of Marcus Rashford pushing him down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The forward has missed the last four matches for United with an injury.

Should Rooney depart the Red Devils, he'd do so as a legendary figure for the club. Not only did he recently become United's all-time top goalscorer with a sublime free-kick at Stoke City—his 250th in total for the club—he's won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup once and the UEFA Champions League in 2008.

A move to China would be lucrative for the England international, although as Football365 noted, the timing of the transfer would be odd given the competitions United are involved in:

Rooney remains a fine captain and has shown glimpses of quality in the games he's played this term. However, Mourinho is looking to build a dynamic, physical and hungry team at Old Trafford; the forward is no longer good enough to thrive in that kind of setup.

United may feel like the time is right to cash in too, especially if, as McDonnell suggested, they would be recouping around £30 million for his sale. And after breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record, there's little else for this Red Devils icon to prove at the Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he does not want captain Wayne Rooney to leave the club amid speculation he's a target for Chinese Super League sides.  

The forward has endured a testing season at Old Trafford, and according to a report from James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph, the Red Devils have been pondering a possible sale this month before the transfer window closes in China.

However, speaking on Tuesday, Mourinho said he has no plans to let the club's all-time record goalscorer depart, per Simon Peach of the Press Association:

Mourinho continued, noting that he wasn't aware of any interest from Chinese clubs, per Ian Herbert of The Independent. "You'll have to ask him," said the Portuguese. "You'll have to ask him."

Ducker suggested a summer departure is more likely for the United skipper, although he noted "Chinese suitors are working hard to make a deal happen" as soon as possible.

Rooney hasn't featured for United since February 1, when he was introduced as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw in the Premier League against Hull City. The 31-year-old has been suffering with a leg injury and has sat out the last four matches. He has also been left out of the travelling party for the trip to AS Saint-Etienne in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday, per BBC Sport.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba joining the club in the summer window, the competition in the forward and midfield positions is fierce at Old Trafford. Subsequently he's only made eight Premier League starts.

Mourinho's desire to keep Rooney around is natural. At times this season he has shown glimpses of real quality, and the forward has evolved into a fine captain. There's no doubt the influence the 31-year-old has at the club extends beyond his playing talent.

After all, Rooney became United's all-time record goalscorer earlier this season, surpassing the great Sir Bobby Charlton's mark of 249. Having someone so steeped in the Red Devils' history around the club can only be inspiring to others.

However, if there is a big-money offer on the table, there will be temptation on United's part to cash in. 

There will come a point when the contributions made by Rooney to the team are not offset by what he brings off the field; some would say that point has already been reached, especially with United flourishing in attack at times this season without the skipper in the starting XI.

United, as such, could have a big decision to make. And while Rooney will surely want to stick around at Old Trafford for as long as possible, he'll want to play regular football, too. After 13 years with the Red Devils, a new challenge may be exactly what's needed to galvanise him in the twilight of his playing days.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has not been named in the 20-man travelling squad for the club's trip to face Saint-Etienne in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League last 32 on Wednesday.

United confirmed Rooney would not be in the squad in a report from Gemma Thompson on their official website. The England international is a notable omission, despite having trained with the original 23 players eligible for selection, per another report from Thompson and Ryan Grant on United's website.

Both Thompson and Grant noted how Rooney has "missed the last two matches as a precaution." The club's all-time leading goalscorer may have been back in training, but he was part of a group removed from the main core, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

Rooney's latest omission will only raise doubts about his future beyond this season. There has even been speculation 31-year-old Rooney could be sold to the lucrative Chinese Super League ahead of the country's transfer deadline later this month, according to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph.

Rooney has made only 17 starts across all competitions since Jose Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal as manager last summer, per WhoScored.com. The number is low considering Mourinho's United boast the unique distinction of being the only Premier League side still active in four tournaments.

Yet United's busy schedule could explain why Rooney will not travel to France. United are already on the cusp of progressing, leading 3-0 from the first leg. So it makes sense for Mourinho to not want to risk a player he may need for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton instead.

Indeed, Stuart Mathieson and Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News have insisted Rooney's absence from European duty is simply due to the fact the "second leg will come too soon."

With a cup final to negotiate, as well as progress in Europe, Mourinho must balance the demands on his squad, especially since United still chase precious Premier League points in the race for a top-four finish.

Wayne Rooney could reportedly leave Manchester United before the Chinese Super League transfer window closes at the end of February.

According to James Ducker in the Telegraph, a number of Chinese clubs are in the hunt for the United and England captain and "believe there is a chance of striking a deal" before Feb. 28 because of Rooney's recent lack of game time.

Ducker added that Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou Evergrande are two of the clubs interested in the 31-year-old forward and that United could demand a significant transfer fee for him. It's noted Rooney has been offered at least £32 million per year to make the move to east Asia.

Rooney is no longer an integral part of United's first team because of the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and form of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and he has not started a Premier League game since before Christmas.

He may view moving to China as an opportunity for a final huge payday and a chance for increased game time in a rapidly emerging league.

Meanwhile, United, for whom Rooney has been a dedicated servant since his 2004 move from Everton, could bring in a big transfer fee as he is still contracted to the club to 2019.

Rooney netted a late equaliser against Stoke City in January to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton as United's all-time leading goalscorer:

He holds the same distinction for England. However, he is not the player he once was and has been eclipsed as both United's key striker and leader by Ibrahimovic in 2016-17, according to BT Sport pundit Harry Redknapp:

Per Ducker, a summer departure for Rooney from United is a more likely scenario, with "Chinese suitors are working hard to make a deal happen."

It would be a huge boost for the Chinese Super League were they to snap up Rooney, one of the most recognisable faces in football, while United could bring in a big fee for a player who is past his peak.

Meanwhile, United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly won his battle to sign Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t The Sun's Geoff Sweet), the Red Devils have a pre-contract agreement with Lindelof, meaning they will secure his signature in the summer despite attempts by Roma to hijack the move and interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

There were numerous reports at the end of 2016 that United would sign the Sweden international in January, such as by RTP (h/t Uche Amako of the Daily Express). However, he ended up remaining at Benfica.

Per the Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst, United need to add strength to their centre-back department in the summer, especially as Chris Smalling could depart because he's fallen down the pecking order:

It would be a huge boon if United have agreed to sign Lindelof, as the 22-year-old is an immense talent and clearly rated by Mourinho.

Manchester United's bid to retain the FA Cup will continue when they face Championship side Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the fifth round on Sunday.

It's the third time holders United have been drawn against lower-league opposition in this season's tournament, but manager Jose Mourinho will still be wary since the game comes amid a fixture pile-up for the Red Devils.

Mourinho's men played Thursday in the UEFA Europa League last-32 tie against French club Saint-Etienne, with the second leg coming on February 22. United will also face Southampton in this season's EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 26.

As for Blackburn, the Lancashire outfit are mired in a relegation battle in the Championship. Rovers sit second bottom, one place below Wigan Athletic, the side dominated by United in the last round.

Before a preview and look at the team news, here are the schedule and viewing details:

Date: Sunday, February 19

Time: 4:15 p.m. (GMT)/11:15 a.m. (ET)

TV Info: BT Sport 2, Fox Sports 1

Live Stream: BT Sport App, Fox Soccer 2Go

Preview

United need to juggle an ample squad to deal with competing on four fronts. It's an issue Mourinho is already concerned about, per BBC Sport: "The Europa League is a competition where we play on Thursdays and that makes it even more difficult for us. 

"With the accumulation of FA Cup, League Cup and match postponed it is really hard for us.

"If you progress in the competitions, we will be in trouble in April and May. But we cannot choose competitions so we play to win."

Mourinho is right to worry about the physical toll likely to be exacted by so many games over a short period. However, the Portuguese is also in charge of one of the deeper squads in England's top flight, affording him the luxury of choosing from multiple talented internationals at every position.

It means Mourinho should be able to pick a refreshed squad for each tournament. For instance, Shingi Mararike of The Sun noted how the United chief rested English quartet Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Michael Carrick and Luke Shaw for Europa League action, possibly with one eye on the FA Cup.

Putting experienced English players back in for the rigours of a domestic cup competition would be a smart move from United. Nationality aside, though, the return of Carrick and Rooney would give the holders two players capable of dictating the pace of play and bossing possession.

In particular, veteran pass-master Carrick ought to have his run of midfield. The 35-year-old is the one player Rovers can't allow to have too much time and space with the ball at his feet. Blackburn boss Owen Coyle must instruct his players to quickly press and break up United's rhythm.

It would help to have midfielder Hope Akpan available to hound Carrick. However, Akpan is banned for three matches after shoving a referee, an offence that incurred an FA charge for both the player and Rovers, according to BBC Sport.

United's fixture congestion and Blackburn's home advantage may have some thinking a classic cup upset is on the cards. Yet Rovers just aren't playing well enough to take advantage of a United squad beginning to settle under Mourinho's tutelage.

Expect a rotated Red Devils team to scrape into the last eight. 

Manchester United will be confident of keeping their bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League on track when they host Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils are just two points adrift of fourth place and coming off an impressive 3-0 win away to champions Leicester City on Sunday. However, United should still be wary of a Hornets team that recently won 2-1 at Arsenal before beating Burnley.

In truth, there should be no way for United manager Jose Mourinho to underestimate Watford. After all, he saw his side beaten 3-1 by the same opposition at Vicarage Road back in September.

Before a look at the team news, here are the schedule and viewing details:

Date: Saturday, February 11

Time: 3 p.m. (GMT), 10 a.m. (ET)

TV Info: NBCSN

Live Stream: NBC Sports App

Preview

Mourinho will have a full arsenal to choose from now United's record-goalscorer is back in training. Wayne Rooney has recovered from illness and is expected to be in the squad, according to Allan Valente of Sky Sports.

Rooney is coming back to a logjam up front. United already have veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 19-year-old Marcus Rashford to play striker. Mourinho deployed both against Leicester City, with 35-year-old Ibrahimovic occasionally dropping a little deeper.

Mourinho's spoiled for choice up top, but things are less clear in defence. In particular, the manager has a dilemma about who to play at left-back.

He could opt for Luke Shaw, who is back in training, per Ciaran Kelly of the Manchester Evening News. Kelly recounted how Shaw suffered through a nightmare performance against the Hornets earlier this season, a display Mourinho was publicly critical of.

However, as Kelly also noted, "Marcos Rojo limping off" during the win over the Foxes could put Shaw back in the frame. Rojo isn't the only defender who might not feature on Saturday.

Centre-back Phil Jones could also miss out, according to Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News: "Jones missed the trip to Leicester with a bruised foot and it is understood the 24-year-old is yet to return to full training."

United may face a few selection issues, but the Hornets will arrive in Manchester with close to their strongest squad.

Watford medical director Luca Gatteschi told the club's official website how three absentees are stepping up their respective recoveries: "Nordin Amrabat, Camilo Zuniga and Christian Kabasele are all back out training on the grass as the Hornets' injury list starts to clear up."

Gatteschi also confirmed how attacking midfielder Roberto Pereyra and goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon are still out.

Yet manager Walter Mazzarri can still rely on powerhouse striker Troy Deeney and energetic midfielder Etienne Capoue. Mazzarri may also let new signing M'Baye Niang loose, after the AC Milan loanee impressed against Arsenal.

Watford have shown some encouraging form lately and should play without fear at Old Trafford, where United have drawn nine matches this season, with six of those stalemates coming at home.

However, there's a greater reward available for the home side this time. Now Mourinho's men can close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City in the race for the top four.