Everton look set to sign Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney this summer, 13 years after he left the Toffees for the Red Devils, in a move that has fans excited given the calibre of the player.
But with Rooney leaving United because of his sharp decline in form and fitness, Everton would be better off overlooking the player, as in an ironic twist they have now outgrown him.
Everton overstocked in Rooney’s position
While Everton’s interest in Rooney is about a lot more than just where he will line-up for the Toffees, manager Ronald Koeman will be mindful that his side are overstocked in the #10 position. Ross Barkley and new-signing Davy Klaassen will be fighting it out for the chief playmaker spot next season, meaning Rooney has a tough task to earn a starting place.
The 31-year-old doesn’t have the industry levels or pace to be a Premier League striker anymore, so he may have to consider a deeper role. Rooney has operated as a central-midfielder and deep-lying player for Manchester United and England in the past and could be an option for Koeman if there are better creative players ahead of him in the pecking order.
Having to shoehorn Rooney into the Everton side highlights how little the Blues actually need their former player and should probably look to strengthen in key areas.
Poor Manchester United form last two years shouldn’t be ignored
In addition to stiff competition for a starting place at Everton, Rooney has been in poor form for Manchester United that shouldn’t go unnoticed. It’s exactly why United are reportedly happy to let the forward leave for nothing this summer and the reason why Everton should overlook him.
Last season, Rooney scored just five goals in 25 Premier League appearances. He netted eight Premier League goals in 2015/16. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the 31-year-old is unwanted and likely to be sold this summer, and Wayne Rooney is 1/20 to join Everton this summer as a result.
There are reports suggesting he’ll take a pay cut to facilitate the free transfer. But are Everton better off without him? Rooney could be used as a makeweight in United’s bid to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton ahead of the new season.
Supporters believe the club’s growth has led them being an attractive proposition to bring back Rooney, but Everton being too good for the English international would be a much more stronger message.
