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5 reasons Wayne Rooney should leave Manchester United for China

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07 : Wayne Rooney of Manchester United heads towards the Chelsea fans to collect the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 7, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07 : Wayne Rooney of Manchester United heads towards the Chelsea fans to collect the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 7, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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4. Ease the job of United’s next manager

One has to believe that Louis van Gaal is a dead man walking at Old Trafford. It’s inconceivable that he would be allowed to continue on as manager after this season. Whether or not Jose Mourinho is waiting in the wings is a different matter, but van Gaal can’t patrol the sidelines at United next year.

Given that fact, Rooney heading off to China would be doing a massive favor to whatever man takes the job. If he says, that new manager is going to feel a certain sense of pressure to play Rooney no matter what. His departure would lead to a much cleaner transition to a “new guard” of players.

Some would point out that it isn’t Rooney’s job to look out for the best interests of United, but that’s nonsense. The club has been great to him over the years and it certainly holds a special place in his heart. There would be something quite poetic about Rooney’s last act as team captain being his acceptance of a move away. He could do Manchester United more good leaving, than by staying and presenting the next manager with a selection dilemma.

Please understand, I don’t believe Rooney should be required to step aside when he isn’t the best option for the club. I just think it would be an exceptional show of his character and self-awareness if he did so at the right time. The offer from the CSL offers him a unique opportunity to make a selfless, graceful exit.

Next: 3. Extend his playing career

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