Everton manager Ronald Koeman has said he would be “pleased” to bring back Red Devils skipper Wayne Rooney back to the club after years at Old Trafford. The former Southampton boss said:
“He is a great player, and he has still not finished his career. I do not know how his situation is, and I need to respect that situation. That’s not my problem,” Koeman said.
Rooney, who is three goals shy of being United’s leading goal scorer, has struggled this term under Coach Jose Mourinho but the Portuguese tactician insists that Rooney is part of his plans. The former Chelsea boss decided to back Rooney at the start of the season despite the criticisms, but after a sloppy start to the season, he had to drop the captain.
“But even when we get one time the possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I’m very pleased,” Koeman added.
Rooney moved to Man United back in 2004 for £27 million. He has played over 500 games for the club, scoring an impressive 246 goals. Many since his snub from the starting line-up had questioned the 31-year old player’s future.
The player would likely not consider a move to his boyhood club considering his status. He was a star at Goodison Park when he joined in 2002 but nature has definitely taken its toll on him. In the last 23 games for United, he has scored only two goals against Bournemouth. While he is still a decent player, at the end of the season he might consider a move away from the club before he further rubbishes his legacy in the Manchester-based outfit. Koeman was likely playing to the gallery, as he would want any of his players to be at their best.