United Moves Rooney To Midfield
Louis van Gaal will move Wayne Rooney to midfield for Manchester United as he believes Radamel Falcao is better up front.
Juan Mata is no longer a first choice option in midfield less than one year after his transfer from Chelsea.
"We have played well but can improve and I was not so satisfied with Rooney as a striker and Mata as midfielder and that’s why I’m changing.
“Rooney can play in more positions, he’s a multifunctional player and I have tried him in a striker’s position. He’s played well but not spectacular and Falcao is a striker and I think he can do it better.”
Van Gaal again played a 4-3-1-2 formation with Rooney in the hole behind the strikers and after stating on Friday his captain has “privileges” regarding always being selected.
The 28-year-old also admitted he is now a different kind of footballer. “I’m not the player I was. I feel I’ve progressed my game. So I agree with the people who say my game has changed. I [did] too much running when I was younger and then didn’t have the energy to get myself into scoring positions in the box.
“I’m a cleverer player now and know when to run into the box and when not to, and as a result more chances have come my way and I’ve scored a lot more goals.”