Wayne Rooney to MLS scenario has multiple options
By Marcel Dumas
Even with his prime years behind him, Rooney would be a huge draw out of the gate. His years at Manchester United and with England has made him a name even recognized by non-soccer fans.
Wayne Rooney has been on the MLS rumor list for quite some time now. As his role with Manchester United diminishes, the probability of a stateside move increases. The question is becoming less of if he will and more of a where he will end up.
There are several options as far as MLS clubs who would be suitors for his services. The league is no longer made up of one or two entities willing to pony up the capital to make this happen. Expansion and the success of high profile DPs like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, David Villa and others have made clubs more willing to gamble on a big name draw. This does not mean there is less risk (see Denilson and Rafa Marquez), just teams are more willing to take it.
His off the pitch issues over the years along with his demeanor on the field have made for a “love him” or “hate him” type character. Whether there to cheer him on or root against, people will tune in for Rooney.
With that in mind, there are a handful of clubs who make sense as a potential home if Rooney decides to come across the pond.
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LA Galaxy
The most obvious choice is the LA Galaxy. Their history and need for big name signings is well documented. It has also panned out quite well for the Galaxy. Beckham, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan combined to bring LA a great run of success. With all three, and Steven Gerrard, now a memory, the Galaxy needs a new name in lights. While not the only option, Rooney would definitely fit the bill.
LAFC
Entering the MLS fray in 2018, the expansion LAFC will be looking to make a splash. As with the Galaxy, big names help sell the product. In the land of Hollywood, international stars are almost a requirement. LAFC will be looking to be competitive out of the gate, and they will gauge their success versus how they compare with their immediate neighbors. Wayne Rooney would bring the name recognition needed, the question would be whether he could provide the results by himself.
New York Red Bulls
NYRB have had mixed results in their DP affairs. Henry was a success, Marquez a flop, and everyone else has been somewhere in between for the most part. Sacha Kljestan has been closer to Henry than any of their other signings, and giving the assist machine another finisher to feed could be lethal. An up top pairing of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Wayne Rooney could be a nightmare for the rest of MLS. With Rooney playing a hold up role and BWP running off the Englishman, fireworks could ensue.
Miami
Even with no timetable for their entrance to MLS (or even if Miami will be the home), the David Beckham led project will be calling on some of the world’s best. Beckham just might throw his fellow United alum an invitation to his club. Any Beckham associated project will get plenty of media attention. If Rooney wants to continue to perform in the media glare, few can provide more spotlight than Beckham.
Atlanta United
This is the dark horse in the race. Atlanta does not provide the appeal that an LA, New York or Miami, but it does offer other things. The biggest advantage may be less pressure than the premier destinations. Atlanta has a supportive owner and a soccer savvy front office. Rumors have already made rounds about them pursuing him, but would he be a fit for what they are trying to do?
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Other clubs may jump in if it becomes clear that Rooney intends to play in MLS. As always the timing and other factors will play a big role in where he would land. With names like Ibrahimovic, Chicharito and Andres Guardado being linked with MLS, Rooney could find himself in a crowded field of stars making their way to the league. Only time will tell if Wayne will bring his talents to Major League Soccer.