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Cape Town - Manchester United were handed a beating over the weekend when
Leicester City came from 2-0 down to win 5-3, and manager Louis van
Gaal admits he was not happy with captain Wayne Rooney's performance.
Rooney, who was handed an advanced role for the defeat at Leicester by playing in an attacking midfield position, has been criticised for his performances up front.
According to the Telegraph, Van Gaal was not happy with Rooney as a striker and subsequently switched him to midfield, preferring the partnership of new signing Falcao and Van Persie up front.
“We have played well, but can improve, and I was not so satisfied with Rooney as a striker and Mata as midfielder,” Van Gaal said.
“That is why I changed. Rooney can play in more positions, he’s a multi-functional player and I have tried him in a striker’s position. He has played well, but not spectacular. Falcao is a striker and I think he can do it better.”
Rooney admits he has changed as a player and is happy to play wherever his manager needs him.
“I can do a job there (in midfield) and I can do a job up front. It depends on the situation of each game and what the manager wants me to do. I don’t think anyone can put a finger on my best position, but I am adaptable. I can go into midfield, drop out wide or play up-front. It just depends on where the manager wants me to play.”
The skipper added that the team are ready to put the weekend's defeat behind them and concentrate on the upcoming games.
“Now we play two consecutive games in Old Trafford that we want to win for our fans. We will put our best efforts to it, you can be sure of that.”
Rooney, who was handed an advanced role for the defeat at Leicester by playing in an attacking midfield position, has been criticised for his performances up front.
According to the Telegraph, Van Gaal was not happy with Rooney as a striker and subsequently switched him to midfield, preferring the partnership of new signing Falcao and Van Persie up front.
“We have played well, but can improve, and I was not so satisfied with Rooney as a striker and Mata as midfielder,” Van Gaal said.
“That is why I changed. Rooney can play in more positions, he’s a multi-functional player and I have tried him in a striker’s position. He has played well, but not spectacular. Falcao is a striker and I think he can do it better.”
Rooney admits he has changed as a player and is happy to play wherever his manager needs him.
“I can do a job there (in midfield) and I can do a job up front. It depends on the situation of each game and what the manager wants me to do. I don’t think anyone can put a finger on my best position, but I am adaptable. I can go into midfield, drop out wide or play up-front. It just depends on where the manager wants me to play.”
The skipper added that the team are ready to put the weekend's defeat behind them and concentrate on the upcoming games.
“Now we play two consecutive games in Old Trafford that we want to win for our fans. We will put our best efforts to it, you can be sure of that.”
