Louis Van Gaal has admitted that Wayne Rooney is Manchester United’s best striker but that he’s forced to deploy him in midfield, because of the contribution the United captain offers in that particular role.
Van Gaal’s comments came a couple of days after he admitted that Rooney had failed to impress when deployed as defensive midfielder against Burnley.
The United captain has not scored or assisted a goal in his last nine league games and, with Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao struggling for form, pundits and fans have called for the 29-year-old to be utilised in his customary role up-front.
“Rooney is maybe our best striker. But I am playing him in midfield because I have to look at which players make the biggest contribution and in what position,” said Van Gaal.
“Rooney is probably giving more of a contribution to the England team when he is playing as a striker.
“I would also put him in the striker’s position if I was the coach of the English team. But it is the composition of the team that is more important than the individual player.”
Van Gaal’s statement is generate more questions than it addresses, for if he feels the need to play Rooney in midfield, clearly he’s not happy with the options at his disposal in that area.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login