Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney is closing in on a return to fitness – and is on course to make his first start since injury in February when the Red Devils host Crystal Palace on the 20th of April.
Rooney, who has missed his side’s last ten games since picking up an injury against Sunderland the day before Valentine’s Day, is under scrutiny from the media and large sections of the English public over his international status heading into this summer’s European Championships.
With players such as Jamie Vardy and Eric Dier having starred in England’s friendly comeback against Germany on Saturday night, many have suggested that the Three Lions captain should not start for his country in this summer’s tournament – but Wayne will know that if he hits the ground running for United’s final games of the season, he can prove his doubters wrong.
Louis van Gaal will no doubt be delighted that his top scorer this season is closing in on a comeback, especially since United are still in with a chance of making the top four come the close of the season. Rooney’s influence for the final four or five Premier League fixtures will be a huge boost to the side, and could be even more crucial if his colleagues pull through against West Ham in next month’s FA Cup quarter-final replay.
Rooney has fourteen goals this season, with Anthony Martial pursuing that figure currently on twelve goals in what is his first season of English football.
