Resurgent Rooney targets a deeper role

WAYNE Rooney sees his future in Manchester United and England’s midfield as that is where the captain now feels most effective.

No longer the bustling teenage striker that burst onto the scene with Everton, the 30-year-old has impressed in a deeper midfield role under Louis van Gaal in recent months.

Rooney was deservedly handed the man-of-the-match award for his display in Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Bournemouth and is keen to keep that role moving forwards, especially after England’s top-scorer features at Euro 2016.

“I think sometimes you have to make choices in your career and at the minute it is probably better for me to play deeper,” he said.

“Now obviously that’s a bit different now with England because I could still be the striker, but certainly after that, I am sure for next season, that is probably where I see myself playing.

“I think of course you’re involved in the game,” he added. “I feel like I can dictate games more from there.”