Rooney MLS transfer gets two thumbs-up from former managers

While there’s already been plenty of criticism leveled at both Wayne Rooney and D.C. United for his proposed transfer this summer, the Everton forward has received the backing of two his former managers.

Rooney played under Jose Mourinho when the Portuguese manager joined Manchester United, and lined up for David Moyes before that at Old Trafford and Goodison Park, with both men saying they expect him to do well in the MLS.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw between his side and West Ham United yesterday, Mourinho said -

“When he made it at Everton, his boyhood club, the world was surprised with that kid.

“Then he goes to Manchester United and has an incredible career. Then he’s in the Premier League again with Everton, so I think his career in England was perfect.

”What next? He decides. MLS? In MLS you have always some iconic players who are going to end their career there. You have Gerrard, Lampard, Vieira, so many of them. Now you have Zlatan and Wayne. So I just hope he enjoys it.

”Of course he will bring the attention that MLS needs to attract more people to steal from the other sports that normally the American people are in love with.”

After the game, David Moyes spoke about Rooney too, ahead of the Sunday season finale that sees Everton travel to London Stadium for what will likely be the forward’s last Premier League game.

“Wayne has been a great player and probably one of the best players to grace the last era of football.

”I really enjoyed him at Everton - he was really young then - I really enjoyed him at Manchester United, he helped me a lot then.

”So, I’ve got to say, if he chooses to go, DC will be getting a good player. He can play in a couple of roles, he’s a brilliant goalscorer and I still think he has got more to give.”

It’ll be interesting to see if Sam Allardyce is asked for his opinion after Sunday’s clash.