Shearer: Rooney still has ‘hell of a lot’ to offer United and England

Mark Scott

Wayne Rooney: England skipper meets the media

Alan Shearer has come to the defence of Wayne Rooney, suggesting he needs to play up front for Manchester United to return to his best.

Rooney has dropped to the bench in recent Premier League matches for the Red Devils and he has grown ‘tired’ of debates about where his best position is, as well the ongoing criticism that constantly surrounds him.

Shearer was asked for his say on Rooney’s situation and believes he can still play an instrumental role at Manchester United despite not being as sharp as he once was.

“Jose [Mourinho, United manager] hasn’t played him centre forward as of yet, he has played Ibra [Zlatan Ibrahimovic], with him perhaps just in behind or on the right side of midfield,” he said.

“He still has a massive part to play, there is no doubt about it.

“I think, by his own admission, he certainly isn’t as quick as he once was but that happens to everyone, you don’t need anyone to tell you that is the case.

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“He will know that and probably gets fed up of people reminding him of that, but he still has a hell of a lot to offer.”

As for Rooney’s England place, Shearer said: “Someone has to come and take his spot, grab his spot.

“First and foremost, he has to start and play for Manchester United or otherwise he might not get in that England team.”