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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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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United is seen on arrival at the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on February 13, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United is seen on arrival at the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on February 13, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

2. Preserve his United legacy

Make no mistake about it, Wayne Rooney values his reputation at Manchester United a great deal. The last thing he wants to do is anything to tarnish his long-term legacy at Old Trafford.

That means he should avoid sullying his reputation with poor play at the tail end of his career. It would be sad, and damaging, for Rooney to linger at the club until he’s utterly useless. He should, instead, leave while he’s still a pretty good contributor on the pitch.

If you’ve watched him play much this season, it’s clear to see that his skills are starting to diminish. It’s impossible to know how quickly his ability to contribute for the club is going to disappear, but it’s a good bet that it won’t be long. The only way he can make sure he leaves in any kind of good form, is to make the move to China as soon as possible.

Sure, there’s a chance he could have some good stretches of form in the Premier League next year, but I wouldn’t consider that the most likely scenario. Next year would likely see a continued decline in his on-field abilities.

Staying at Old Trafford only risks Rooney becoming remembered for something other than his stellar play on the pitch. He should leave before he becomes a player who is pitied instead of celebrated.

Next: 1. He can become a bigger star

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