Why Rooney's Reds Influence Will Endure

Wayne Rooney was a hugely respected figure at Manchester United and passed on valuable lessons to the younger players at the club.

In particular, the England international was able to show how it is possible to perform while under huge scrutiny and handle media attention off the pitch.

"The lads in the changing room look up to Wayne and he’s a great role model for the younger kids coming through," said Jesse Lingard last season. "He sets a great example and we always look to follow him. 

"His leadership [stands out]. He’s great with the young lads, especially when you’re coming through. He’s really helped me, Marcus [Rashford] and Tim [Fosu-Mensah] - we all look up to him and aspire to be like him. I’ve seen that at England level, too. The first couple of times I joined up, he was always there and included me with the other lads."

As a fellow forward, Marcus Rashford learned so much from playing alongside Rooney and was even flanked by the captain off the pitch when having his first interview on England duty.

When asked if Wayne has had a big influence on him, Marcus replied: "Yeah, definitely, 100 per cent. I think I’ve been around him and kind of watched him grow as a player as well. Honestly, it takes the way you watch his game to another level. I think for the younger ones looking on, they’ve just got to take note and we have to do that as much as we can.

"He’s very intelligent on and off the pitch. It’s a case of learning whatever you can from him as it is only going to benefit you for the future. That is exactly what every young player is trying to do. When you are new to things like interviews and such like, you can only learn from what he is doing."

Even for United's Reserves and Under-18s, Rooney was somebody to look up to and provide a massive influence.

We asked promising midfielder Callum Gribbin, a regular performer at both levels last term, who his role model was. "Wayne Rooney is up there for me," he replied. "I think he's a top guy and I like the way he carries himself.

"He is such a good professional and has gone on to achieve many things in the sport. So I would probably say Wayne Rooney [is my role model]."

No doubt many of the other youngsters at United would say the same thing. Wayne's influence at the club is set to endure long after his departure.