Manchester United will have to prepare for life without Wayne Rooney as club legend Paul Scholes believes the veteran striker will leave, in quotes made to The Daily Mail.

What's the word?

Having surpassed Bobby Charlton to become Manchester United's all-time leading scorer, Wayne Rooney has certainly ensured legendary status at Old Trafford but limited opportunities since Jose Mourinho took charge mean the club may have to wave goodbye.

That's the view of another United legend, Paul Scholes, who told The Daily Mail he believes Rooney will leave the club if he continues to find himself on the bench regularly- which will hand a boost to MLS and Chinese clubs eyeing his services.

With United boasting the attacking talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, there is little room left for Rooney to fill and that could mean the end for the player who joined the Red Devils in 2004.

What was said?

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Scholes admitted he can no longer see Rooney staying at Manchester United for the long-term:

"It's a strange one. No one will be more frustrated than Wayne at not playing. Being a sub will be driving him up the wall. When he gets his chance he has to take it because he has real competition."

"If it carries on going the way it is, I can't (see Rooney staying for another two years). Maybe it will be re-assessed at the end of the season if he's in and out of the team. I don't see him as a player who will accept that. He will want to be at a team where he's playing every week."

Should Rooney leave?

It's clear Manchester United don't need Wayne Rooney anymore but the player himself may need the Red Devils, as an exit from Old Trafford would likely see him move to America or China- which would severely affect his opportunities with the international team.

Rooney has previously stated he will retire from England duty after the 2018 World Cup and a transfer this summer could see him miss out on the tournament all together, which would be a big blow for the skipper who's eyeing one last charge for international glory.

Having struggled at international tournaments since his breakthrough at Euro 2004, Rooney will want to redeem himself in Russia next summer and may only get that chance if he's still on United's books.

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