Manchester United Must Keep Wayne Rooney to Remain on Top

Change is certainly the order of the week at Manchester United. Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement, with Everton boss David Moyes set to replace the outgoing supremo.

Whilst the timing of Ferguson's departure announcement was somewhat surprising, perhaps the contingency plan was more expected, the rumour of one Glaswegian replacing the other having been around for a considerable period.

However, in what will unquestionably be a difficult period for the club—after all, this is the first managerial transition at the club in 27 years—the Daily Mail now reports that Wayne Rooney has seemingly let his desire to leave Old Trafford be known.

The 20-time English league winners have been here before with Rooney, of course.

Back in October 2010, the England international requested a transfer, with BBC Sports reporting he cited a lack of "assurances I was seeking about the future squad." Needless to say, within 48 hours he had signed a new five-year deal.

Then he was the undoubted star, the club's best player. Now, however, that isn't the case. And it's ironic that assurances which Rooney sought, vehemently enough to actively seek a move, have put his nose out of joint.

Since 2010-11 his powers have been somewhat on the wane. Robin van Persie arrived to become the darling of the crowd. Promising young talent like Shinji Kagawa and Javier Hernandez have signed. Danny Welbeck, a homegrown product, has made a considerable breakthrough, to the extent that it was he who was selected for the Champions League tie against Real Madrid this season in favour of Rooney.

All these factors have seen the former Evertonian go from Old Trafford's top dog to something approaching just another player. His status has simply been downgraded. Thus, after a season which has seen 16 goals in 37 appearances, he has asked to leave once again.

There are some United supporters who have become somewhat disillusioned with Rooney for a number of indifferent performances, as well as the reasons mentioned above.

"

Funny how Rooney wanted to leave in 2010 cos we lacked 'ambition'. We go on to sign RVP and he's become irrelevant and now wants to leave

— Manchester United(@Unofficial_MUFC) May 9, 2013"

Nonetheless, the club have made their stance known and declared that the player will not be sold, with the Daily Mail reporting a club spokesman stated,"Wayne Rooney is not for sale."

Regardless of what has gone on before, at this moment in time, this is the right message. For Manchester United must keep Wayne Rooney this summer if they're to stay on top of the Barclays Premier League next season.

Make no mistake, this summer will be one of the trickiest in the history of the three-time European Cup winners.

A managerial legend will leave, as will a highly-respected chief executive, David Gill. To allow one of the staples of the dressing room to also depart would be foolish and would doubtlessly leave supporters feeling underwhelmed at what will likely prove a critical juncture in the club's history.

Despite the criticism, Rooney has terrific quality. Wonderful technique, versatility and determination underpin Rooney's on-field persona. Though his impact at Old Trafford has perhaps diminished in recent times, particularly in comparison to someone like Van Persie, he remains an asset to the squad. When motivated, he'd be an asset to any squad.

Additionally, despite past problems with David Moyes, his knowledge of the prospective new manager from their time together at Everton will come in handy, both for the duo and in terms of liaisons with other players. After all, it was Moyes who gave him his first-team debut at Goodison Park; despite difficult times, there will be respect.

Next season will see United come under attack. Manchester City and Chelsea will both be making renewed efforts ahead of an assault of the 2013-14 Premier League title. That such a fearsome foe in Ferguson has departed will only enhance their belief.

The Red Devils can't afford to show weakness. Now is a time where the club needs to be pulling in one direction, from the Glazer family down to the tea lady. Like Hogwarts post Dumbledore, the outside threat now looks considerably more menacing.

If Manchester United are to fight off their competitors and keep their place at the pinnacle of English football, then they need to begin that fight now.

And to win that fight, they stand a far greater chance with Wayne Rooney than without him.