Steven Gerrard is sympathetic towards former rival Wayne Rooney over his Manchester United predicament.

The Red Devils’ all-time top scorer could leave Old Trafford permanently within the week.

A move to China worth £35million a year has been tabled and United are reportedly ready to sanction his departure.

Rooney has seen his game time limited under Jose Mourinho this season, leaving him frustrated as a bit-part player.

The transfer deadline shuts for the Chinese Super League on Tuesday, and the 31-year-old may leave before then without even playing another match for Manchester United.

Similarly, Gerrard also had less action during the latter stages of his Liverpool career, although his end at Anfield was far less abrupt.

Rooney may not get a send-off, but Gerrard understands why his ex-England team-mate would be ready to leave United, as the Liverpool legend admitted he himself became unhappy with not playing.

“I put myself in Wayne’s shoes,” Gerrard said on BT Sport.

“I’ve been in that position, where you become a squad player and it’s not the same. You don’t enjoy it as much.

“I know how much Wayne Rooney loves playing and starting games.

“I don’t know exactly what Wayne is thinking, but I don’t blame him if he wants to go and start and play on a weekly basis, and not be a squad player.”

Wayne Rooney been left out of Mourinho’s Europa League squad for tonight’s round of 32 second leg tie away at Saint-Etienne.

But he could feature in Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley.