Posted by Oliver Wilson

Manchester United have been dragged, kicking and screaming, through this first part of the season thanks to the performances of Wayne Rooney. 

In David Moyes' second Premier League game of his United reign, against Chelsea at Old Trafford, Rooney appeared to be the only player giving 110% as his teammates wilted around him.  His battling performance was highlighted by many as being a long awaited return to form for the Englishman, and his performances continued to peak as the Red Devils bumbled their way through a tough transition to life without Sir Alex.

A groin injury over New Year has hampered both United and Rooney over the last few weeks and his absence on the field has been sorely missed, with his side managing just one win in their last five outings in all competitions, but now Rooney looks close to return, after he was seen arriving at the club's training facility this week.

But just as soon as they get him back, United could be sending Wayne straight back out the door and onto a flight to Madrid with, according to the British press, Real Madrid wanting to add another former Premier League face to their ranks.

With Rooney's deal running out at Old Trafford in 18-months, and an extension looking unlikely, United will be fearful of selling one of their star players to another Premier League rival, especially with Jose Mourinho still keen to bring the 28-year-old to London.

Carlo Ancelotti, however, is happy to provide United with a safe route to ship Rooney away from England's top flight and unite him with Cristiano ROnaldo, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric at los Blancos. Despite Karim Benzema getting back to goal scoring form - the Madrid striker has 10 league goals already this season, behind only Ronaldo whose tallied 21 strikes in 19 league appearances - the Italian manager is said to have been very impressed by Rooney this year, both with his ability to stick in the hole behind a striker and to play as an out-and-out forward.  Rooney would encourage competition for both Isco and Benzema should he arrive in the Spanish capital.

To replace Rooney, United would likely seal up a £40 million move for Chelsea's out of favour midfielder Juan Mata. While Rooney's departure would undoubtedly free up space for Mata to sit in the midfield behind Robin van Persie, it's hard to see the two time Chelsea player of the season making such a splash that Rooney's absence would go unnoticed at United. 

It would also do very little to pave over the cracks that have been continually pointed out by both fans and pundits alike this season, with Shinji Kagawa surely able to fill the spot that Rooney would vacate behind Robin van Persie, without costing a record transfer fee, especially when that money could be spent on a couple of top class defenders and/or a Paul Scholes replacement in the heart of the pitch.

Mata is undoubtedly a world class player and would strengthen any side he joins, but would he be worth the money for Moyes and United?