Steve McClaren has dismissed suggestions Wayne Rooney could be on the brink of burnout. Newcastle United’s manager, who takes his side to Old Trafford on Saturday, knows Rooney well from his time assisting Sven-Goran Eriksson with England and then coaching the national team himself.
After continuing to watch him closely from afar, he suspects the best is still to come from a Manchester United forward he feels will not be properly appreciated until 10 years after retirement.
“No, I don’t think there’s a risk of burnout,” said McClaren. “Not many players this season can say they’re right up to speed yet and Wayne, unfortunately, is one of those types that, whatever he does, he’ll be criticised. But believe me, he won’t give a damn. He always does a good job for his team whether that’s on the wing, in midfield or as the controller, the No10, or as the No9.
“He’s got to be right up there as one of England’s greatest. His record speaks for itself. When he’s long gone and finished and you look back he’ll be one of the greatest to have played for England. He may not be appreciated now but he will be in 10 years’ time. And probably his best is still to come.
“People say Wayne doesn’t deliver on the big stage, in tournaments but it’s a team game and, too often the team has not delivered in major finals and it’s difficult for him. The same thing is levelled at Messi.
“Wayne’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with. He’s a big game player, he’s that type you rely on, particularly at club level. You look in the dressing room and go: ‘We’ve got Wayne Rooney, we’re OK.’”
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