Paul Scholes: I don’t want to talk about this Man United scenario, I hope it won’t happen

Paul Scholes is hoping that Wayne Rooney stays at Manchester United beyond the summer transfer window and says he doesn’t want the striker to join another English club.

The England forward’s future has been a relentless source of speculation this season due to his lack of playing time at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.

Rooney has found his first team opportunities at Old Trafford to be severely restricted this season and the striker has been linked with a possible move back to boyhood club Everton in recent weeks.

However, former Manchester United midfielder Scholes says Rooney still has a big part to play for both the Red Devils and England, and feels that the striker should stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer.

Scholes is quoted as saying by The Daily Express: “Wayne has been a sensational footballer for England and Manchester United for nearly 15 years.

“He is greatly respected and I still think he has a part to play with United and England.

“He has great experience, he can pass knowledge on to young players and it’s up to Gareth if and when he wants to use it.

“I don’t want to talk about him going to another English club, I hope he gets himself back into the United team. He has a fight on his hands but the Wayne Rooney I know is someone who will face that challenge and try to do it.

“He still has a prominent role to play for England and United. There’s been a lot of speculation over where he goes now but Wayne, with what he’s done, has earned the right to do what he wants to do. I hope he does stay and fight.”

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they host West Brom at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are currently in fifth place in the Premier League table.