Scholes: United Should Let Rooney Decide

Wayne Rooney has earned the right to decide whether he will still be at Manchester United next season, according to Paul Scholes.

The United and England captain has endured a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford and has become a regular on the substitutes' bench under Jose Mourinho.

Rooney, United's all-time record scorer with 250 goals, has started just nine matches in the Premier League this season and has been linked with a summer move away from the club.

"Wayne [Rooney]'s been an unbelievable player for Manchester United. It's up to him, I suppose really," former United midfielder Scholes told Omnisport.

"If he wants to stay, great. If he doesn't, wants to go and play football... you have to respect his decision.

"He's been a sensational footballer for Manchester United, won great things, scored a ridiculous amount of goals. I think he's earned the right to decide what he wants to do."

Scholes has also been encouraged by Paul Pogba's first season back at United and believes the France international will continue to improve.

United paid a world record fee of £93.25m to bring Pogba back to the club last summer after the 24-year-old midfielder helped Juventus claim four successive Serie A titles.

His performances have divided opinion however, with certain sections of the media suggesting he is yet find his best position in Mourinho's system.

"I think he's done well. I know he's had a little bit of criticism, but from what I've seen...he's a brave young player," Scholes said.

"He's always willing to take the ball. He'll always try stuff, he'll try passes, he'll try shots on goal.

"I think he's had a good first season, settling back into England. It's not always easy, but I think he's done alright, and he can only improve."

United are currently unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League matches and sit in fifth place, just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool having played two games fewer.

Scholes is confident Mourinho will guide United to a top-four finish in his first season in charge, but does not believe the Portuguese will be satisfied.

"I expect them to finish fourth. They've been on a fantastic run, without making much progress in the league," he said.

"You have to say, the quality in the Premier League is back to where it should be. There are a four or five teams... probably five teams fighting for that top four.

"He (Mourinho) will be given loads of time, I think. He's had to consolidate after a difficult couple of years. He's managed to do that, and he'll want to kick on now.

"He won't be happy with finishing fourth or fifth in the league. He'll want to be up there trying to win the league.

"I believe in the next couple of years he'll be desperate to do that."

Credit: Skysports.com