Wayne Rooney in recent times has been playing in midfield and few time as a wide player for Manchester United, he has been as good as any world class midfielder in that role. The captain has at times sat deep in midfield to protect the back four, proving to be a complete and a versatile player.
It comes as no surprise when fans of Manchester United heap praise on their skipper for his work ethics in games. Rooney offers the team so much that he is almost irreplaceable in their current set up. Having said he has been splendid in that role, it has not been the best for the team and here is why.
It is about time Louis van Gaal started trusting Ander Herrera, playing him in midfield and playing Rooney further up. Manchester United clearly have been having challenges creating and scoring especially away from home this season. The reason could be attributed to Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao not being at their best. It could be the sets up of the team. The pair have managed just 14 goals so far this season, not good enough for a club like Manchester United.
Rooney is Manchester United’s best and most dangerous player in attack. He is a better finisher than Falcao and van Persie. Playing the English attacker in the number 10 role gives a lot of bit upfront for Manchester United as compared to deploying him to midfield. Moreover when in the number 10 role you get so much from Rooney than in midfield- upfront, he gets you goals, creates chances, and offer help to midfielders by tracking back to defend. On the other hand when the skipper plays in midfield he can only offer a little- impose his presence in midfield, get tackles in, and pick long balls from deep positions.
Manchester United lack intent in their attack because it would seem possessive football has become the priority. No one from the deeper role wants to take more risks with the ball and run at opponents. Van Persie and Falcao sometimes get confused when playing together. Certainly the best attacking pair for Manchester United will be Rooney pairing with either Falcao and van Persie and not Falcao and van Persie.
When Manchester United travelled to Tottenham Hotspur in December, the Reds came out with just a point after a goalless draw. United had lots of chances to win that game, imagine Rooney was upfront and two of those chances fell to him- have you imagined? Good.
If van Gaal cannot see this then there is really a problem and Manchester United will continue to struggle for goals especially away from home this season. Rooney’s best days in football has been when he was played in that role behind the striker, that is how to get the best from your best player.
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