Hiddink plays down possibility of Anzhi move for Rooney
Anzhi Makhachkala boss Guus Hiddink has moved to distance himself from reports that a move to take Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to the big-spending Russian outfit could be in the pipeline.
The club’s technical director Roberto Carlos had spoken earlier this week that Rooney could be on the Russian league leaders’ radar in the future but speaking to ESPN after Thursday night’s Europa League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, Dutchman Hiddink revealed the rumours lacked any substance.
“He is vice-president, Roberto, and he can express his ideas, and he does that well,” Hiddink said. “He hasn’t said it to me so far, but it’s nice sometimes to talk out of the blue without any reality.”
“We want star players,” Hiddink continued. “But before the game [against Liverpool], I explained that the club are not making investment for investment’s sake. It must be good.
“Of course Rooney is very good. But it must be realistically achievable as well. As you have seen tonight, I was happy with the performances of some young Russian players, even though we lost.”
Rooney had endured a quiet start to the season at Manchester United following the arrival of Robin van Persie at Old Trafford before then suffering a thigh injury. However, the England striker’s form has improved of late, with three goals for his country in the international break followed by a brace in the Red Devils’ last league outing at home to Stoke.
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