Louis van Gaal has finally spoken about where he believes Wayne Rooney’s best position is…
Manchester United are currently in the midst of their worst scoring spell in recent memory with many suggesting Wayne Rooney should be dropped into midfield.
When Manchester United first signed Anthony Martial, Louis van Gaal repeatedly deployed him as a number 9 with Wayne Rooney operating behind in the pocket. However, in recent weeks, for some reason, the Iron Tulip has shifted Martial out onto the left slotting Rooney in as United’s sole striker.
Wayne Rooney has undoubtedly been one of the greatest strikers in the Premier League over the past decade but the consensus among pundits and former pros is that it is time for England’s record goal scorer to drop into a deeper role.
Recently speaking about Wayne Rooney’s talent and potential, former Barcelona midfielder Xavi had the following to say.
“Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it’s time for him to adapt,” Xavi said in quotes reported by the Daily Mirror. “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.”
In the past four games Manchester United have managed to score just one goal with Rooney up top after three back to back nil all draws. He finally broke his barren spell with a goal against CSKA Moscow midweek, however the feeling is still that Rooney no longer has the ability to lead the Red Devils attack.
Asked about Rooney’s best position in United’s press conference ahead of their clash with West Brom this weekend, Van Gaal had the following to say.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kFjaA2yZow
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