Wayne Rooney should still be a main man for both Manchester United and England say Andy Cole and Steve Bruce
Old Trafford legends says the Three Lions skipper deserves better than his sudden bit-part role for club and country
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole has dismissed the theory that Wayne Rooney’s days at the very top are over.
The striker, winner of the Treble with United in 1999, said: “We should look at him and value him for what he has done.
“He started playing when he was 16, 17.
“With all the pressure and what he has achieved — the goals he has scored and the medals he has won — you cannot say he is no longer good enough.
“You’ve got to give the guy an opportunity.
“He is not prepared to retire at international level. Why should he if he can still do a job?
“He will get his form back for United and will get himself back in the team.”
Cole believes the scathing criticism Rooney has received has affected him.
He said: “It has got to hurt because we are all human.
“You can sit and say, ‘Oh I am not really bothered about it’, but in the cold light of day of course you are going to think about it.
“You have ex-players saying he should retire but when they were in that position no one told them they should go.
“They should not be telling someone of his calibre it is time to go or questioning his place in the England squad.
“If you look at Zlatan at 35, I know they are two totally different specimens and have lived their lives in two totally different ways.
“But why can’t Wayne Rooney still be playing for Manchester United at 35?”
Bruce: Rooney is still a top striker
STEVE BRUCE believes Wayne Rooney still has plenty to offer.
New Aston Villa boss Bruce feels if Rooney was restored to his old role as an out-and-out striker, his club would see the best of him again.
The former defender, who spent nine years at Manchester United, said: “Make no mistake, he has been one of the great players and still is, if you ask me. He’s still got a lot to offer.
“I think Wayne has been a bit unfortunate.
"They have chopped and changed him around too often. Play him in his position as a centre-forward and he’s guaranteed to get goals.
“He has always produced if you play him in the top end of the pitch but because people have used him in different areas I think he has suffered from that a little bit.”
In an interview with talkSPORT, Bruce added: “Wayne Rooney has been the best English player for the past decade.
“You just have to look at his goalscoring record to know he is up there with the very, very best the world can offer.”
