It was sad to watch Wayne Rooney last season. He started 2016-17 as captain of Manchester United and England, one whose place seemed certain in the starting eleven of both teams. He finished it out of the national team for the end-of-season World Cup qualifier against Scotland, and effectively a fringe player for his club, having only featured more prominently in league games because the focus had shifted to the Europa League final.
In unfortunate terms, it felt as if it was one of the most defining seasons of Rooney’s career. Now, to the tune of a classic, we ask should he stay or should he go?
Rooney has gone from being a star all his life to then, quite suddenly, a bit-part player. He signed a contract at United until 2019, intending to stay at the top level, but struggled to make the starting eleven when the club's leading striker was ruled out with an injury.
The England international has been in decline for years. Under David Moyes in 2013-14, Rooney was United’s best player, and under Louis van Gaal the Dutchman pledged to play his captain regardless of form. Jose Mourinho, however, has carefully faded Rooney out of the side and few are convinced he’s part of the manager’s long-term plans.
In February, a last-minute free-kick at Stoke saw Rooney become United’s all-time leading scorer. This cemented his status among many fans as a club legend. It reminded everyone of the great player he was, not the past-it mediocre slump we see now.
Rooney’s had a successful career and no-one can begrudge him of that. It includes five Premier League titles, along with winners’ medals from Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup (3) and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.
Rather than dwell on the player he’s sadly become, or the two transfer requests in 2010 and 2013, some fans will remember some of his better moments, like the cracking strike in the 2011 European Cup final against Barcelona. Even his bicycle kick that won the Manchester derby which is often seen as his very best.
Moreover, the fact that the decision regarding Rooney’s future seemingly rests solely with himself leaves a variety of options open. Reports suggest he is already training ahead of United’s pre-season tour of America which is a credit to his often criticised professionalism, but perhaps it is time for Rooney to face reality.
What is becoming an increasingly losing battle, staying and fighting for a place in Mourinho’s team doesn’t seem like the right way to end Rooney’s United career, considering what he’s achieved and contributed at Old Trafford. Some will offer a counter argument by claiming Rooney has earned himself the right to stay at the club if he so please, and enjoy a final couple of years of his £300,000-a-week contract. Bizarre, as it may sound.
While Rooney would be snapped up by teams up a down the Premier League, the majority of those clubs are unable to meet his wage demands, meaning he may have to follow in the footsteps of many professionals and play his trade in China or the MLS.
Should the Europa League final be his final appearance in a United shirt, Rooney will leave the club a winner. How fitting.
