Rooney, who has scored just twice in the Premier League this season, has come under criticism for his performance in recent games.
Xavi feels it is time for United to play a new striker as Rooney can not run for 90 minutes any more.
“Wayne Rooney is a player I have admired for a long time. He is an extraordinary player with extraordinary capabilities,” Xavi said.
“Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it’s time for him to adapt.
“You get to an age and you can’t play the game you once used to, you can’t cover the ground you used to. But intelligent players adapt and there’s no doubting Rooney has a very good footballing brain.
“Maybe it’s time for a new striker at Manchester United, who can run for 90 minutes, but Rooney would be very dangerous in a deeper role. He has the vision and the passing range to play that role very well.
“If he can adapt, there’s no reason why he can’t play at the top level for another five or six seasons. But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can’t do what it used to be able to do.”
