Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Wayne Rooney’s iconic status will be a huge draw in the MLS.
Rooney has agreed a deal principle to join DC United in the summer, but there are suggestions that he wants to clear the air with Everton over his future at the club before taking a final call.
The former England captain returned to his boyhood club from Manchester United last summer, but after an initial burst, his star has faded badly over the last few months.
However, Meulensteen indicated that Rooney could get a fresh lease of life late in his career in the United States if he decides to make the transatlantic journey in the next transfer window.
The former Manchester United coach insisted that football has been attracting more and more of an audience every year in United States and feels Rooney’s iconic status will be a huge shot in the arm for the MLS.
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Meulensteen said on MUTV’s Matchday Review programme when asked whether he can see Rooney playing in the United States: “I can see him going and playing there.
“I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the MLS and it has grown steadily, there’s a lot of purpose built soccer stadiums now, where fans are turning up in numbers.”
He added: “When Manchester United go on pre-season tours you can that the game has really caught on.
“They really want some iconic players and Rooney is one of them.”
