Man Utd could release Rooney next summer

Manchester United are prepared to part ways with club-captain Wayne Rooney at the end of the season. The England international has put up a series of mediocre performances for the Red Devils this year.

Rooney, 30, is currently a regular in the substitutes' bench at Old Trafford with Juan Mata being preferred for the number '10' role.

According to The Mirror, the Mancunian giants are disappointed with the striker's performances this term, and are prepared to release him unless he gets back to his old self.

Should Rooney be axed, United would have to pay the remainder of his £300,000 weekly package until the expiry of his contract in June 2018.

Clubs from MLS and China are known to have enquired over Rooney's availability in the summer, and it could be a matter of time before the experienced forward pursues his career elsewhere.

Rooney is just four goals shy of breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record for Manchester United.