Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes Wayne Rooney should be given the chance to prove his worth for the club following a string of disappointing performances.

Rooney has been criticised heavily this season for his displays on both the domestic and international stage and many believe his time at the top is slowly coming to an end.

United boss Jose Mourinho has dropped the captain from the starting line-up for the last three games whilst Three Lions interim manager Gareth Southgate did the same for the recent 0-0 draw in Slovenia.

A huge debate has rumbled on about where the 30-year-old’s best position is now with some saying the number 10 role whilst others believe a deep-lying midfield option is better.

The captain for both club and country is certainly in a tricky situation at the moment but Cole, who won five Premier League titles when playing for the Red Devils, believes the skipper should be backed.

“You’ve got to give the guy an opportunity. He is not prepared to retire at international level. Why should he if he can still do a job,” the ex-striker said.

“He will get his form back for Manchester United and no doubts he will get himself back in the team.” Rooney could have the perfect opportunity to prove his worth to the team on Monday night when United travel to Anfield to take on fierce rivals Liverpool.

The visitors are unbeaten in their last two league games and a win could take them above the Reds, who are three points ahead in the table.

Jurgen Klopp’s men, who are on a four-game winning run, are 2.15 favourites to make it five on the bounce, a draw is priced at 3.40 while the visitors are the narrow outsiders at 3.50.

United have won the last four Premier League meetings but Liverpool did claim the spoils over the course of two legs in the Europa League the last time they met.