Every year since the Premier League’s inception, Manchester United have finished in the top four and qualified for the Champions League.
But with Europe’s biggest stage no longer a guarantee this season, their most visible player is possibly reconsidering his future.
When asked if Rooney would sign on even if United fail to qualify for the Champions League, manager David Moyes presented a very, very unconvincing sales pitch.
“We would have to wait and see what happens in that situation,” Moyes told The Mirror. "[But] I thought if you looked at his performances, he’s certainly playing at his best.”
The 28-year-old’s deal expires next summer, and with Chelsea nearly having pried him from the United clutches this past offseason, The Mirror speculates that Champions League play is a must for Moyes to get Rooney’s long-term commitment.
The struggle, which has United in seventh, has put Moyes in performance-praising mode typical of struggling managers. “If you’re only judging it on results, fine,” pleaded Moyes. “But if you’re judging it on performances, then it would’ve been a fifth win after how we played [against Spurs].”
Unfortunately this weekend, Moyes will be without Rooney as well as Robin van Persie, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young, Nani, Rafael, and Phil Jones for their FA Cup match against Swansea.