5 players who could replace Wayne Rooney at Manchester United

Whether the most ardent Manchester United fan is prepared to admit it or not, Wayne Rooney is in decline. Pretty much over the entirety of Louis van Gaal’s reign at Old Trafford, the captain and longest-serving player has been experiencing a gradual but undeniable regression to the point where cries for him to be dropped have become stronger than ever, the analysis over his persistent sluggish form more incessant than ever and his own body language as negative as ever. Having scored only 12 goals in 34 appearances for the club this season, it's safe to say Rooney is not the same Rooney who wowed crowds and scored ridiculous goals to ensure Manchester United remained the giants they were. However, ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, his influence has reduced as well. The need for a replacement has never been greater and, so, here are five worthy candidates to succeed Rooney as United’s goalscorer-in-chief. 

#5 Gonzalo Higuain

The Argentine striker is arguably in the form of his life, scoring goals for fun with Napoli this season. Higuain has always found the net wherever he has played, spending seven excellent seasons with Real Madrid before moving to Italy.

However, at 27, Higuain still has plenty of time to ply his trade in England and United could make him a cracking offer to be the main man at Old Trafford. 

Hardworking, prolific and highly technical, Higuain would be another mouthwatering prospect in a post-Rooney era and a striker who has been operating at the peak of his powers – the opposite end of the form spectrum to United’s wayward centre forward.