Jose Mourinho dropped the England captain in the Premier League fixture against Leicester City, a move that was widely supported by fans and football critics alike. However, Wayne Rooney has no intention of leaving the 20-time Premier League champions and is ready to play out his contract despite getting the axe.
The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and has lost his first team place after a run of poor performances. It is understood, however, that Rooney will not join any MLS or Chinese Super League side.
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Rooney is United's second highest all-time goal scorer, with Sir Bobby Charlton leading the list. The future United legend, though, is prepared to accept a reduced role in the squad and will no longer be an automatic pick.
Also read: Jose Mourinho explains why Wayne Rooney was dropped against Leicester City
After a string of below par performances for the Old Trafford side, it was inevitable that Rooney would be dropped to the bench. Although he is all set to find his place back in Thursday's Europa League fixture against Zorya Luhansk, he should know by now that his days as the United main man are over.
As reported in the Mirror, Rooney will not leave the Old Trafford side just because he is off the first team picture. He still has two years left on his current deal with an option for a further year, and the ex-Everton forward will fight for his place.
With age not on his side (the striker will turn 31 next month), Premier League will only become tougher for him it is difficult for him to start in the number 10 role with Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ahead in the pecking order.
Also read: Player Performance Analysis: Wayne Rooney
Mourinho emphasised the need of faster players around target man Zlatan Ibrahimovic and picked Jesse Lingard and starlet Marcus Rashford on the two flanks against the Foxes with Juan Mata operating behind Ibrahimovic. The trio put up an overwhelming performance as the Red Devils cruised to a 4-0 lead in the first half.
Ultimately, the Premier League holders found a consolation goal in Demarai Gray's 30-yard wonder strike, before going down 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday. It was United's best display under Mourinho, and the gamble to drop Rooney worked .
With more pace, penetration and purpose about their play without Rooney, the United skipper knows he must now come to terms with being rotated. He came on as an 83rd-minute substitute for Rashford as Jose Mourinho's men eased to victory.
