Barcelona's former midfield maestro Xavi has toldGoal.comthat Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney should be playing top level football - and that he is still too young to think about a move away fromthe continent.
Recent rumours have suggested that Rooney is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and that Jose Mourinho has told England's record goalscorer he will need to find a new club, if he wants regular football.
Drop Zlatan, recall Rooney and play Mkhitaryan: Paul Merson's advice for Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester derby https://t.co/qM0yAlqI4t pic.twitter.com/2w1qoR4DQl
The striker was dropped from the United team following their poor run and his own personal lean period in front of goal. With young forward Marcus Rashford keeping Rooney out of the side, it appears that the club captain is no longer first choice at Old Trafford.
Despite rumours of European clubs monitoring the situation, the striker has been heavily linked with moves tothe wealthy Chinese Super League or theMLS, where he would join former England stars Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
But Xavi, who now plays for Qatari club side Al Sadd, has suggested it is too early for Rooney to move away from Europe and insisted the 31-year-old still has plenty to offer.
He said:With all respect to The MLS, China, and other leagues, Wayne Rooney is not ready for that yet. In two or three seasons maybe, but at his age it is not the time.
A player of his ability at his age needs to be playing in one of Europe's top leagues.I still think he has a lot to offer Manchester United but if either him or the club decide not to continue that relationship, I know he would offer something to all the top clubs in Europe.�
Xavi also backed the Man United outcast to succeedin a deeper role, despite current manager Jose Mourinho insistinghe is a striker.
The Barcelona legend added:"Rooney has always played with so much energy and he may need to adjust his role and play a little deeper, but his quality is still there to see.
As you get older there are other things you need to accept like you can't play three games in a week or 50 games a season, but if you are willing to adapt you can still play at the highest level."
Rooney has missed both of United's last two matches with a thigh injury and could be absent again forthis weekend's home match against Burnley with the problem.