'Wayne Rooney will decide but I think he is leaving Manchester United this summer': Rio Ferdinand says former team-mate will be moving on

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Rio Ferdinand doubts Wayne Rooney will still be a Manchester United player next season.

Rooney came off the bench in the 89th minute of the Europa League final and lifted the trophy. It was the final fleeting performance of a season which has seen Rooney's role diminished to almost an afterthought.

The 31-year-old started just 25 games in all competitions, for context Rooney started 27 games in Louis van Gaal's final season in the Premier League alone.

Wayne Rooney came off the bench late on in the Europa League final and lifted the trophy

Rio Ferdinand doubts Rooney will still be a Manchester United player next season

Ferdinand played with Rooney for 10 years at Old Trafford but after watching his former colleague play single-digit minutes against Ajax, the retired defender reiterated his belief that the current club captain's time in Manchester was coming to an end.

Ferdinand said on BT Sport: 'I think it sounds like it is down to Rooney if he wants to stay, I believe he will want to go onto pastures new.

'[Michael] Carrick will wait to see if club offer him a new deal. There will be changes, Jose has his targets, I hope he gets them.' 

Jose Mourinho did not introduce the skipper earlier because United didn't need to attack

When asked about Rooney post-match manager Jose Mourinho explained why he did not start his skipper and said he would be happy to see the player stay.  

'Wayne was ready to play, a big option, but the game was in the pocket, have to delay changes, I don't need to attack,' said Mourinho post-match. 

'The plan was ready, [on Tuesday] I said he could be crucial man of the match. He can be here next season a s he is an important player, if he stays I am happy.'