Wayne Rooney speaks about his place in the squad; Says hes ready to fight for a place in the starting XI
Oct 19, 2016 at 3:02 PM
Manchester United and Jose Mourinho will be relatively pleased with the outcome of their trip to Anfield on Monday.
They were set up deep to try and frustrate Liverpool and managed to do so by reducing them to just a couple of shots on target on the night. These tactics saw the manager use a set of players which saw many star players benched for this game.
One such player who is now regularly finding himself on the bench is club skipper Wayne Rooney.
The England international started the season in a number 10 role behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the summer transfer for United. But he was just not able to effect the game enough to warrant a place in the starting XI for the rest of the season.
He is currently warming the bench at Old Trafford and is not expected to start the league games for the side, but he is in contention to start for the side in the Europa League encounter against Fenerbahce on Thursday.
It looks like his time at the club is all but over after the season and the 31-year old might be pondering over leaving the club at the end of the season but he has recently spoken about his situation in the squad to the media.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Wayne Rooney felt that his time in the side is not yet over and said that he feels that he has a lot more to give to his team in years to come.
He revealed that his career at the club is not yet over, at least in his mind and said that he can continue to win games for his side.
“Not in my mind, maybe in other people’s minds but not mine. I’m 31 next week, I’ve got a lot of football left,” he said
However, he went on to explain that though he would want to be on the pitch for every game, he has to respect the manager’s decision and that he is happy to help the side when called upon.
“I like to think I can play every game, but obviously it’s the manger’s decision and I respect that. I will be ready when I’m needed.”
“You have to have a positive attitude and that’s what I have. I prepare exactly the same as if I’m starting the game. I’ll make sure I’m ready and have no excuse when I’m needed,” he added.
He went on to explain that he has to keep working hard to get back into the squad and that he knows his chances will come if he works hard for them.
“I’ve started through all my career, this is a new challenge, it is a new period, of course, I want to play – I just have to keep working and get into the team and I’m sure my chances will come I know that and then it is up to me to take them,” he added.
Do you think Wayne Rooney has a future at Old Trafford?