Manchester United: Wayne Rooney does right thing committing future to club

Wayne Rooney has been extensively linked with a transfer away from Manchester United, but has now smartly moved to end any speculation he could leave the club.

Wayne Rooney is clearly coming towards the end of his time at Manchester United. According to reports, that end could have come as early as next week. However, Rooney has now ended any speculation about his immediate future.

"The United striker has released a statement declaring: ”Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I’m grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United.”"

Speculation over Rooney’s future had been dominating the recent news cycle. Whether it was a move to the Chinese Super League, Major League Soccer or even a rival Premier League team, Rooney’s potential exit from Old Trafford was front and center.

So it was only right that Rooney put the situation to bed as soon as he could. Of course, it would have been better for United if it was sooner. But the likelihood is that Rooney probably has been looking at a move away. Once a move looked unlikely, the 31-year-old has shut down any rumors.

Ongoing speculation was only going to prove a distraction the longer it went on. United have a EFL Cup final against Southampton to prepare for on Sunday. All the talk, instead of being on the game, was set to be on Rooney and his future. Not now.

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United also have a fight on their hands to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Wayne Rooney may well not be at the club come next season, but United needs to finish in the top four if they want to compete to sign the world’s top players in the summer.

Between now and May is a crucial time for United and their short-term future. Distractions are unwanted and Rooney was surely going to be exactly that if the speculation persisted. If Rooney was leaving, then he needed to go as soon as possible.

United can cope without him at this point. He’s not essential. But if not, then kill the media scramble and focus on the right things. United can do that now Rooney is staying for at least the remainder of the season.

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The first focus will now be on the cup final this Sunday. After that, seeing out the rest of the season and completing the remaining objectives. After that, then Rooney can start to look around for a new club once again.

For now, Wayne Rooney has made the smart move committing to Manchester United.

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