Mike Phelan: 'Wayne Rooney could want new challenge'

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan believes that Wayne Rooney may be seeking a move away from the club in order to find a new challenge.

The England striker fell out of favour at Old Trafford towards the end of last season and has since been linked with a whole host of clubs across Europe that include Premier League pair Arsenal and Chelsea.

Rooney reportedly handed in a transfer request at the conclusion of the last campaign, and Phelan feels that this may be down to the 27-year-old wanting a fresh goal in life.

Phelan told BBC Sport: "Wayne is at the greatest club you can be at. Why would you want to jeopardise that?

"Unless you want a fresh challenge and you feel that challenge isn't being met at Manchester United."

Rooney has also been linked with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.