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Alan Shearer feels the time has come for Manchester United to drop Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker has struggled for form this term, notching just twice in 900 minutes in the Premier League.

He drew another blank at the weekend, coming in for fresh criticism as the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace.

And Shearer feels both Rooney and United would benefit if Louis van Gaal took him out of the firing line for a period.

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"Time catches up with all of us and it seems to be catching up with him," wrote Shearer in The Sun. "His spark has gone out at the moment. He needs time out of the game to relight that fire inside him.

In pictures – United draw with Palace:

"I know it will be a huge issue if boss Louis van Gaal takes the bold step and does leave him out for a couple of weeks but that is what needs to be done for the player’s own good."

Despite that, Shearer is convinced Rooney can still have a say at the highest level – as long as he is played as a number ten rather than up front.

"He is far from finished, he just needs a break," added the former Newcastle hitman.

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