Manchester United’s record scorer had seemed likely to head to Everton. Is he still good enough?
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney looks dejected after Arsenal score their second goal
If Jose Mourinho had it his way, Wayne Rooney would still be sitting on the sidelines.
Yet an injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and need to protect Marcus Rashford has left the Red Devils boss having to throw the club’s record scorer into action.
Rooney may have scored a penalty against Swansea last week, but he has not played well since returning to action.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho speaks with Wayne Rooney
An exit from United looks inevitable this summer. Whether he is likely to stay in the Premier League is another matter.
Rooney’s most likely destination has long seemed like being former club Everton.
SkySports reported in March that Rooney was hopeful of a move, although his recent performances will not have helped.
Against Arsenal yesterday Rooney was off the pace and it was clear to see he is a player well past his best.
Arsenal’s Petr Cech saves from Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney
If Everton’s aspirations were simply to stay in the Premier League then a move for Rooney may make sense, but they are aiming to progress and try and get into the mix to win a Champions League place.
They already aren’t far off, and saddling themselves with Rooney could be a serious backwards step, especially with the wage commitments he would require even with a substantial drop from his United deal.
Rooney has another year left on his United deal, and there is a risk the Red Devils could be stuck with him or left having to pay him off.
Here is a look at how fans reacted to his performance, voicing worry Everton will no longer be interested…
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