Wayne Rooney has often said he wants to finish his career at Manchester United, but it doesn’t look like he’s going to get his wish.
The 30-year-old’s performances over the last year have been a constant topic of debate, both for club and country.
The England captain has unrivalled experience and an excellent football brain, but other that, questions are being raised over what else he brings to the table. The days of him scoring 30+ goals a season are long gone, and he no longer even operates as a striker. That said, even in midfield, he gives the ball away too often and doesn’t create enough.
According to the Sun, Jose Mourinho is now willing to listen to offers for the star next summer, and he has already lined up a replacement – though it’s not necessarily Antoine Griezmann, as has been frequently reported.
Rooney may no longer be at his peak, but replacing him is going to be the work of a world-class player. Enter Gareth Bale – that is, if Real Madrid don’t tempt him to a new deal first.
There are conflicting reports on this one. The Guardian have it that the Welshman is going to be offered Ronaldo-size wages to keep him at the Bernabeu, as he is regarded as the future of Los Blancos. If Bale were to sign on, then United’s plans would be scuppered, though, of course, that doesn’t mean they aren’t considering him.
Rooney’s £300,000 a week are becoming a problem because, while United aren’t short of funds, he is struggling to justify that kind of salary. Someone like Bale would undoubtedly deliver more, but procuring Griezmann would arguably be far easier, with his future at Atletico Madrid still unclear.
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