This makes no sense.
Wayne Rooney is leaving Manchester United. Whether it’s next week, when the transfer window closes in China, or at the end of the season, Rooney looks almost certain to leave the club after 13 years.
The 31-year-old has won several league titles, both the League Cup and the FA Cup and the Champions League during his United career. Last month, he became the club’s record scorer with his goal against Stoke City, overtaking club legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
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.
