Parlour: Rooney Not Guaranteed Starts

Wayne Rooney isn't guaranteed to start games for Manchester United, says former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour.

Rooney, whose testimonial against Everton was held last month, is one of only four men to score more than 200 goals for Manchester United, currently sitting on 246 from 525 appearances.

But, with the emergence of Marcus Rashford, Parlour claims Rooney will need to strengthen his performances as competition for the starting line-up continues to rise. 

Speaking to Goals on Sunday, Parlour said: "Rooney is playing with good players now. He is not guaranteed to play.

"Jose will look at the situation - I thought Rashford should have started myself.

He scored a hat-trick in the U21s, he's in great form. He always seems to have that little bit extra when he comes on to the pitch. So I would have started with him. I know he made the half-time substitution and he came on.

But Rooney, like when playing for England, he was playing in that 'hole' a little bit too deep. 

"So, Rooney now will be looking at himself. But he is a top pro and I am sure he will be working hard and trying to get the best out of himself. As you get older, you do lose that little bit of pace, but he is a top player and I am sure he will come good again.

"It is a shame because the spotlight is always on Wayne Rooney. He does get a lot of criticism, but he is a top-class player and he has to deal with that."

Credit: Skysports.com