Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe has warned Manchester United star Wayne Rooney he is risking his career by inviting off-the-field controversy.

The Sunday Mirror says Rooney has endured a torrid time following accusations that he cheated on his wife Coleen with a prostitute and had a threesome with a call girl and her friend in a ­Manchester hotel.

Sir Alex Ferguson left him out of Manchester United's last league match because he was worried about the abuse the Everton fans would give their former hero.

Radebe, one of the most widely respected voices in football, said: "At this moment, Rooney needs someone very strong to sit him down and guide him.

"Once you become separate from where you come from, there are problems. He needs to get back in touch with his roots.

"He needs to remember what is important in football, in life.

"He is very successful and earns a lot of money, but when this happens your lifestyle changes and there are temptations.

"In the city of Manchester, there are so many bars and women and it is easy to be tempted.

"But look at James Milner. He broke through around the same time as Wayne, but he seems to have a more sensible head. He is a down-to-earth player who has a lot of self-discipline and is in touch with his roots.

"Still, I think Rooney will get through this because he is a great player and great players come back stronger from things like this."