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Michael Owen: Wayne Rooney's Man United future hinges on this
WAYNE ROONEY will leave Manchester United not because of a lack of playing time at Manchester United but due to the riches of China, according to Michael Owen.
Wayne Rooney will be tempted by the riches of China, claims Michael Owen
Wayne Rooney has been linked with a big-money move to China in the summer with a number of clubs said to be interested in the striker.
The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United this season, starting just eight Premier League games.
However, Michael Owen believes Rooney's lack of game time will not be the thing that decides whether he stays or goes.
Wayne Rooney has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United
And the former England international thinks the riches of China will be a far more important factor when Rooney comes to decide his future.
"It will be really interesting to see how it pans out because it's not just the lack of playing that has a bearing on where he goes," Owen told BT Sport.
"I think China have come in and just changed the whole market and if China and their riches didn't exist then I'd be thinking, 'where else can he go?'
"He is getting on, he will be looking at his and his family's future.
"And I think if he's going to leave, China will be where he goes."
Rooney has made 29 appearances for United this season and is under contract with the Red Devils until June 2019.