Since Rashford took his place, Wayne Rooney admits: “This is my new position”

Questions have been raised on whether England Record Goal scorer, Wayne Rooney, should still be accorded a first team start and if so in exactly what position at both country and club levels.

This follows a successful breakthrough of young, faster and promising forwards at both Manchester United and at the English national team. In Manchester United we are talking of new signing Antony Martial and Academy product Marcus Rashford, who has managed to net 7 goals in 13 appearances since making his first senior team start at the end of February.

At the English national team the brilliant form in the likes of national team forwards Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge, and Jamie Vardy has also contributed to questions being raised about Wayne Rooney’s fate.

Following Wayne Rooney’s recovery from injury this month and in wanting to have his captain back in action against a crucial Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace, Manchester United manager handed Wayne Rooney a deeper midfield role behind forwards Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial.

Wayne Rooney’s display at this match was nothing short of a master class display drawing comparison to legendary midfielder Paul Scholes, known for his stellar midfield displays at United. Wayne Rooney excelled at this position with clever ball distributions and passing, earning him credit from the match analysts and pundits alike.

Following Wayne Rooney’ impressive displays and acceptance of the new faster forwards ,the Manchester United captain seems welcome to the possibility of assuming a deeper playing position just behind the strikers adding that a decision regarding his playing position rests entirely with the respective managers at both the club and country level.
“I’ve known for a few years, I have played there a few times throughout my career and I can play that position,” he said. “I have played and watched Paul Scholes play that role for years and I always knew that one day that is where I would play so I have tried to learn and watch what he did. It is still early days but hopefully if I keep playing there I can develop and get better.

“I think if I can do that I can free other players up. Obviously it is down to the manager. It is his decision — and for the team, more importantly, it is the right thing to do at this moment in time.

“We have got a lot of pace in the team now and I think I can read the game quite well and whether to go forward or stay deeper and leave the space for the other lads.”