Scholes: Lack of playing time at United could lead to Rooney's exit

Manchester United could see its all-time leading scorer depart this summer.

Former midfielder Paul Scholes suspects a lack of playing time could pave the way for Wayne Rooney to end his illustrious United career.

The 32-year-old Rooney managed to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton's scoring record in January, but has failed to start a Premier League match for almost two months. Manager Jose Mourinho has instead deployed the likes of Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the attacking midfield role Rooney normally occupies.

"If it carries on going the way it is, I can't (see him staying for two more years)," Scholes told Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail.

"Maybe it will be reassessed at the end of the season if he's in and out of the team. I don't see him as a player who will accept that. He will want to be at a team where he's playing every week.

"No one will be more frustrated than Wayne at not playing. Being a sub will be driving him up the wall."

Since breaking Charlton's record on Jan. 21 against Stoke City, Rooney has only been included in Mourinho's starting XI once, while primarily featuring as a starter in cup matches.

"It will be killing him just coming in for the Europa League or the FA Cup," Scholes added. "But it's up to him to get his head down and prove he can play in the big games."

Rooney, however, will not be available for Thursday's Round of 32 Europa League tie against Saint-Etienne after being ruled out with a minor injury.