Rooney hints at United exit if he’s not playing

WAYNE ROONEY insists he never wants to leave Manchester United.

But the former England and United talisman has hinted that he might be left with no choice if he isn’t picked on a regular basis.

Rooney has been reluctant to discuss his future in recent months as speculation mounts that his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.

But the 31-year-old is well aware that tonight’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo at Old Trafford, with United a goal up from the first leg, might be his last hurrah in Europe.

There are lucrative offers on the table from America and China, while Everton have made no secret of their desire to have him back at Goodison Park.

Turning his back on United is the last thing he wants to do but Rooney has made it clear he will not be hanging around if he’s going to be a spare part.

He said: “Of course you want to play. You want to play every game. Sometimes that’s football and I’ve had to keep working and try to take my chance when called upon.

“That’s what I’ve done. When called upon, I try my best to help the team.

“Would I like to stay? I’ve been at this club 13 years so of course I would but I want to play.”

Rooney admitted it has been difficult adjusting to his new role as just a squad player but reckons he’s handled the situation with good grace.

He said: “I think football changes. You have ® different challenges in your career. This season I haven’t played as much as I would have liked to.

“But I’ve tried to help the team on the pitch and off the pitch.

“I haven’t thrown my toys out of the pram and made a big fuss of it but I’m a football player and I want to play football.

“The more I play, the more I feel I can help the team.”

Boss Jose Mourinho appears to hold the forward’s future in his hands and it is a situation Rooney will be uncomfortable with.

Trophies

But United’s record goalscorer is convinced the club will achieve big things under Mourinho – with him or without him. He added: “It’s a massive opportunity for us to win a European final. It’s important to be back in the Champions League. “This club belongs there. Realistically, it’s going to be difficult to do it through the league. We have to concentrate on winning this trophy. “This club will be successful under Jose Mourinho. Having seen the way he works and the success he’s had in other countries, we will be successful. “If we can win the Europa League, that will be three trophies in his first season. “We’re not far off challenging for the Premier League and I hope next season in the Champions League. “So I’m convinced the club will be successful under Jose.”