Rooney would be mad to leave: Vidic

United captain says unsettled striker should stay at Old Trafford.

LONDON: Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has told unsettled striker Wayne Rooney he would be mad to leave Old Trafford.

Rooney’s future was the cause of more drama as the David Moyes era at United officially got underway with a 2-0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

The England striker has made it clear he wants to quit United after growing unhappy with his diminished role last season and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is determined to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

United have so far rejected two bids from Chelsea and Moyes cut an agitated figure on Sunday as he responded to questions about Rooney’s future by defiantly insisting the star isn’t for sale.



Despite Rooney’s apparent desire to leave, Serbian international Vidic is convinced the best option for his troubled team-mate would be to stay with the Premier League champions.

“I believe Man United is the biggest club in the world and I think there’s no point to go anywhere else,” said Vidic.

“There’s so much speculation, so much talk about whether he’ll leave or stay. I have to say the last four years I was in that position as well. People were talking about me leaving the club.

“I’m still here and I’m enjoying playing for this club. Nothing has changed.”

Rooney was said to be unhappy after Moyes last month suggested Robin van Persie, who scored both goals in the win over FA Cup holders Wigan, was his number one strike option.

However, Vidic sees no reason why Rooney and Van Persie can’t flourish in the same team if the former Everton striker decides to stay.

“Definitely. No question about that,” added Vidic. “They’re both top forwards and so many rumours over the years, players coming, players leaving. This is part of the show.”

After Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign came to an end last season, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding United at the start of Moyes’ spell in charge.

And Vidic acknowledges the pressure is on both the manager and players to prove the club can still be successful without Ferguson.

“This year people question us even more because Sir Alex left,” he said. “We know how good he is and how many trophies he won for the club but we want to prove we can win the trophies again.

“I think it’s a test for everyone. People are questioning if we can still be the champions.

“The players have really trained well. They want to prove themselves and win trophies. I see their hunger.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

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