Wayne Rooney's time is coming to an end at Manchester United. It's sad and people will argue for months but the fact is, his performances haven't been the same and he hasn't been able to adapt to how the Premier League and his team are changing.
I know that I, as a fan, would love to see Wayne Rooney at his best again but it doesn't look like its going to happen and we'd rather move on than try all we can to ensure he hits form. Rooney is still a part of United's and England's plans – both the managers have said so – and he's only ever so important right now because of what he's done for both club and country.
You may be the most talented footballer on the planet but the crowd will love and adore you that much more if you were from a neighbourhood they recognised and grew up around. Rooney was that personality for Manchester United and they need more of those. Here are five Englishmen Manchester United fans could love both on and off the field:
#5 Ross Barkley
A young and emerging Liverpool talent who wears blue and has been linked with Manchester United for a while? Seem familiar? Ross Barkley has long been a Manchester United target. He's got the talent and the tenacity to succeed in a big club.
United fans know him from his time in the Premier League and the English set up but him joining the club now will probably affect a host of other midfielders given how much the club have invested in them. That said, Barkley's drive and determination on the ball is much needed at United and have missed it since Wayne Rooney stopped doing it.
Barkley will, however, cost the club a fortune but if they need someone to do what Rooney's done in recent years, they won't find a better replacement.
#4 James Ward-Prowse
Seems like an archetypical Manchester United signing, James Ward-Prowse has everything to succeed at a big club. He's got the technical skill, the drive and the energy to make something out of a half-chance. And United badly need that.
Ward-Prowse is an excellent midfielder and one capable of playing as a defensive and/or offensive midfielder. His ball distribution and timing of the pass is spot on for someone so young – he's 21 – and he's able to set up counter attacks flawlessly.
Ward-Prowse will be a cheaper alternative to most of the other names on this list. He's English, yes, but his inexperience in Europe and the fact that he isn't always on the pages will play well for United's accountants.
#3 Dele Alli
Every Premier League side would love to employ Dele Alli right now. The 20-year-old has been in sensational form for both club and country and seems like the kind of player who isn't a flash in the pan.
Alli has all the right ingredients to succeed anywhere he plays. He's got a fighting mentality, the technical prowess and the ability to dictate games all on his own. His first touch is superb and he can score lovely goals when needed.
But Alli just signed a new long-term contract and looks like he's committed to the project at Tottenham Hotspurs. Manchester United always have the edge over every club in England when it comes to transfers simply because they're Manchester United. Alli will cost a fortune but will lift the club instantaneously.
#2 Harry Kane
Possibly the likeliest replacement for Wayne Rooney on this list yet. Harry Kane is England's darling whilst on International duty. He's the one who can score goals, he's the one who can give you the lead and he's the one who can do what Rooney's done – in front of goal, only though.
Kane is one of the most highly rated forwards in Europe and given his goalscoring form it's no surprise he's linked with most of the 'big' clubs. And Kane has been on fire in England by almost winning the Premier League Golden Boot last season to opening his scoring already this season albeit suffering from a host of injuries at the moment.
United have been linked with Kane for a long long time and always seem to be interested in signing him. They might just be able to do it in the coming summer as Wayne Rooney's plans will surely affect them.
#1 Marcus Rashford
It's highly possible that the reason Wayne Rooney has been in poor form and constantly under the spotlight is because of the emergence of Marcus Rashford. The 18-year-old has been in sensational form for the club ever since making his debut last season and has continued said form from the beginning of the current season.
Rashford has pace, the control and the composure when on the ball and seems to be the kind of player who already has the hearts of millions of Manchester United fans. He's been scoring for fun ever since Jose Mourinho drafter him into the first team and he's able to handle all the pressure that falls on his still-so-young shoulders.
United have had Rashford since he was a kid and it'll be for the best of everyone involved with the club if they get him to sign another long-term contract that keeps his income on a competitive level.
