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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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Jun 19, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; England forward Wayne Rooney (10) reacts in the first half against Uruguay during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Uruguay defeated England 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; England forward Wayne Rooney (10) reacts in the first half against Uruguay during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Uruguay defeated England 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Extend his playing career

As I mentioned before, Rooney has already turned 31-years-old this season. The combination of his age and the sheer number of minutes he’s played throughout his club and international career mean the clock his ticking on his playing career. A move to China could extend his playing career by several seasons.

With all due respect to the CSL and their recent efforts to acquire top-end talent, it still is nowhere near the level of the Premier League. Rooney could make the move and coast for the majority of the season. Even while coasting he’d still likely score goals by the truckload.

It would certainly require much less wear and tear on his body than continuing to play at England’s highest level. Football is a young man’s game and that cruel fact has already begun to dawn on Rooney this season. He’s currently injured and unavailable for United, but even when he is “fit” his body doesn’t feel the same as it did earlier in his career. The toll of his Premier League minutes is adding up.

Moving to China wouldn’t be a completely free ride for his body, but it would certainly be less stressful than continuing on in England. Making the move to the CSL would allow Rooney to play the game he loves for an extra season or two. That has to be worth something to a man who’s played the game professionally for his entire adult life.

Next: 2. Preserve his United legacy

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