Sitting on the bench will be hurting Rooney, says Rio

Joe Williams

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand reckons sitting on the bench this season will be “hurting” Wayne Rooney’s pride.

Rooney has had to put up with a bit-part role this season with only 8 Premier League starts to his name and nine substitute appearances.

The England international’s omission from the starting line-up for much of the season could be seen as the beginning of the end for Rooney with several Chinese Super League clubs reportedly interested in his services.

And Ferdinand thinks Rooney – who has made 549 appearances for the Red Devils – will “hold his hands up” at some point and move on.

“Ultimately, Wayne Rooney will be the person who decides when he leaves. He wants to play football, he’s a real good professional. He won’t want to be sitting on the bench… that’ll be hurting him,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.

“He’s got pride, he’s got ego. He wants to get out there playing constantly.

“If he can’t do it at Manchester United, I’m sure he’ll hold his hands up and say ‘Maybe I’m not good enough for Manchester United any more, I’ll have to go on to pastures new.'”