Ashley Cole backs Wayne Rooney to succeed in MLS

LA Galaxy defender Ashley Cole has backed Wayne Rooney to shine upon his prospective move to DC United this summer. The former England international only returned to his hometown club Everton from Manchester United last summer but he is still understood to be considering a fresh challenge in the MLS.

Speaking about Rooney’s potential move, Cole said: “It’s always different to the Premier League.We’re getting older when we leave, so he’s not going to be the 18-year-old Wayne Rooney. But I think he’s still got enough quality for this league.I’m excited if he does come to be able to play against him again.When you look at the calibre of players that have come, most of them have won trophies and understand that mentality of winning.That never goes away. You see players want to come and want to work for their team.”
Rooney re-joined the Toffees after a 13-year stay with Manchester United last season and he made a strong start to his campaign. The 32-year-old found the scoresheet 10 times before the turn of the year but his form thereafter nosedived with then-manager Sam Allardyce tending to rotate him for the Premier League duties.
The former Champions League winner has yet to agree upon a potential switch to North America but the early indications are he could be sold off with the Toffees hierarchy aiming to recoup valuable funds for their incoming head coach. As per reports, DC United are the front runners to pursue the striker’s signature with a fee of around £8m likely to push through an agreement.
Meanwhile, Everton are yet to announce their new manager since parting ways with manager Sam Allardyce. Dutchman Marcel Brands has recently been appointed as their new director of football and the 56-year-old is likely to be tasked with the job of recruiting the next head coach.