Manchester United
captain Wayne Rooney is a sacrificial lamb, according to Ray Wilkins.
The Red Devils
managed to progress to the Europa League semi-finals after a hard-fought
extra-time victory over Anderlecht on Thursday.
However, Rooney
didn’t make it onto the Old Trafford pitch as Jose Mourinho opted for the pace
of Anthony Martial, off the bench, when striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic limped off
injured.
Former United
captain Roy Keane labelled the snub as ‘the final nail in the coffin’ for
Rooney’s career at the club and, speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast,
Wilkins believes the England international deserves far more respect.
“He has been so
good for Manchester United and so good for English football that I think he
needs that little bit of respect and be thrown back in again,” he said.
“What he has done
over his career, he’s sacrificed himself too much for me.
“He runs all over
the field – he defends, he attacks, he sets up goals, he scores goals.
“Let’s not forget
he’s England’s top goalscorer and he’s Manchester United’s top goalscorer. This
guy has been a phenomenal footballer, give him some respect.
“He’s 31 years of
age. When Zlatan plays, at 35, he plays in and around his space. He doesn’t go
charging all over the field and helping his teammates out. Rooney does.
"Rooney is a
sacrificial lamb, as far as I am concerned, and I hate it.
“I would love to
see Wayne come back and really be a force once again.”
The former Chelsea
and United midfielder also spoke about the Red Devil’s chances in the Europa
League now that they have reached the last four.
“The sides that are
left in it should be nothing to compare to what Manchester United are,” Wilkins
added.
“This is what Jose
is going for now big time. I think he will win it and I think Manchester United
are too good for the rest.”
Reference: talksport
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