Ever since stating he wished to leave Manchester United back in 2010, Wayne Rooney has never been too far away from speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford.

There is no doubting his ability as a footballer, and what he can do to opponents on his day.  

And although some will argue he hasn’t quite hit the heights he promised after impressing as a teenager, (Euro 2004, and a brilliant debut Champions League hat trick), there is also no doubting his contribution to Manchester United since he signed for the club (197 goals from 400 appearances speaks for itself). 

Rather the question is if Rooney is willing to play second fiddle at United, as he no longer is the main man at Old Trafford, with the arrival of Robin van Persie last summer.  He’s still preferred to the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez but finds himself in a similar position to when Cristiano Ronaldo was at the club, in the limelight of a team-mate.

Sir Alex Ferguson categorically denied the rumours linking Rooney with a move away, after dropping him for the crucial Real Madrid clash, but it wouldn’t be absurd to assume Rooney isn’t all too happy at United, and would be welcome to any potential offers.  

As supporters of United (or any football team for that matter), we easily forget how at the end of the day, for footballers, this is a job (albeit an excessively paid one).  

We are blessed at Manchester United to boast such an incredible history and a great set-up and manager, that most players jump at the chance of joining the club, and see it as an honour.  It is no surprise that most players talk about ending their careers at United.  

Now I’m not for a second saying Rooney doesn’t appreciate United, or feel lucky to be part of this great club, but for me he has never taken to this great club the way some others do, (which is surprising from someone who was born and raised in the North-West, on the other side of the East Lancs Road).  

For those who don’t know what I’m referring to then pay close attention to how the likes of Patrice Evra and Hernandez for example, speak in any interview they give. 

At 27 years of age, he could quite easily end up with the most appearances by a United player (if Ryan Giggs ever stops playing that is!), but for me there is enough there to think he will be off very soon, this year or the next.  

For a player who only a few years ago considered leaving the club to join the blue side of Manchester, it would not be a huge surprise if he wanted to start a new chapter and his life and say bye to Manchester.  After all, it is ‘only’ a job.

By Amjad Hussain @RedManc9