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23rd February 2017
04:08pm GMT
However, if you've been paying attention, you'll know that Rooney has been in decline for a number of seasons, arguably since 2013 and noticeably so over the past two seasons.
His passport says he's 31, but in football terms he's 35. He has lost his place in Jose Mourinho's team, looks unlikely to regain it and it's impossible to justify his status as the club's highest paid player when he's sitting on the bench.
All players decline, some quicker than others, and there's no need to make excuses for him or dress the situation up for something it's not.
He was a great player, but no longer is. China or MLS, semi-retirement leagues for former elite players, is arguably Rooney's level at this stage of his career.
However, Harry Redknapp doesn't think so.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager reckons Arsenal should sign Rooney - so he can shout at their players.
"He would improve that team overnight because they have an issue with attitude and he is a winner," Redknapp told the Evening Standard.
"I watched Arsenal the other night at Sutton and I know it was a difficult pitch but some of their younger players were getting caught in possession, losing it cheaply and were putting their team in danger.
"There was nobody there shouting: 'Oi, f***ing liven up!' They get away with it all the time. "Nobody sticks the boot into them, whether that’s from the dugout or other players on the pitch. 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."Firstly, Rooney plays in the same position as Mesut Ozil, or up-front, where Alexis Sanchez plays. Both are better players. And is there really any merit in signing a player because he'll shout at other players? If that's all Harry thinks Rooney is good for, then the player really has declined to the point where China or the United States is the best option to continue his career.
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