Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes that Kylian Mbappe needs to move on from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to truly reach the heights of footballing greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe has been phenomenal for PSG, amassing an impressive 190 goals and 93 assists in just 190 appearances. However, Rooney feels the French forward needs a fresh challenge to elevate his game further.
In an interview with Sports 18, Rooney stated, “I think Mbappe needs to leave PSG and join a Premier League club. PSG is undoubtedly a massive club, but he’s accomplished everything he can in Ligue 1. A move to Manchester United or Real Madrid would be the perfect step for him to reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo.”
Rooney’s comments highlight his belief that Mbappe, at 23 years old, has outgrown the French league and requires a platform with higher competition to push his limits. A move to a club with the stature of Real Madrid or Manchester United, Rooney argues, could offer the level of challenge and exposure needed to propel Mbappe into the same conversation as Messi and Ronaldo.
Challenges of a Manchester United Move
While the idea of Mbappe joining Manchester United is intriguing, it seems far from realistic at the moment. United are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase under manager Erik ten Hag, with their primary focus this season being to secure Champions League qualification.
Even if United achieve that goal, signing Mbappe would present significant hurdles. The financial implications of such a move are enormous, with the French forward’s transfer fee expected to break world records. On top of that, Mbappe’s current weekly wages of £1.18 million would force United to completely overhaul their wage structure, potentially disrupting the financial balance within the squad.
Real Madrid: A More Likely Destination?
In contrast, a move to Real Madrid appears more feasible. The Spanish giants have a long-standing interest in Mbappe and the financial resources to accommodate his transfer fee and salary demands. Real Madrid’s history of nurturing elite talent and competing at the highest level in European football also makes them an attractive option for a player of Mbappe’s caliber.
While Rooney’s suggestion may resonate with fans eager to see Mbappe test himself outside of Ligue 1, the logistics of such a transfer, particularly to Manchester United, make it unlikely in the short term. Nevertheless, Mbappe’s future remains a topic of intense speculation as he continues to dominate the French league, leaving many wondering when—and where—he will take the next step in his career.