Manchester United's Wayne Rooney set to play as a central striker again next season

Louis van Gaal could play Wayne Rooney as a striker next season

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has been told by Van Gaal that he will be their main striker next season as per the Guardian. Having had his two most prolific seasons for United in 2009 and 2011 playing in the centre forward position, the former Everton player believes that a return to his favoured striking position will lead to him surpass his best ever tally of 34 goals in a season.

The 29-year-old is confident that he can challenge that mark and as quoted by the Guardian. He said:“That was the last time I really played the full season as a striker. All the other seasons I have been up front, then in midfield or out wide so hopefully if I stay up front then I can get near that again. “I have no doubts in myself. I have no doubts that I can do that again and I am ready to take on that mantle again and be the one who gets the goals for this team.”

Having played in the midfield as a number 10 as well as on the wide left and the wide right, the Liverpool-born forward is only behind Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law in terms of goals scored for the club with 230 goals and is excited again to be the focal point of United’s attack.

“I am ready for the season. I hope to score 20 or more goals again. If I am playing as a striker then I will be disappointed if I cannot do that again. I am excited – it is a big season for us. We have the quality to make sure we get back into the Champions League.”

With United having already stacked up the midfield in the transfer window with the purchase of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, Rooney believes that he is no longer needed in the midfield and can go back to playing as a striker, a position where he believes he plays his best football.

Looking forward to the new season, the England captain stated that the clash on the opening day of the season against Spurs is the most important one as it sets the tone for the rest of the season.

“Tottenham is the game we are all preparing for,” he said. “We know how the Swansea game last season affected us after losing it [on opening day]. It made it a really difficult start for us. We have the Champions League qualifier soon after that so we have to get off to a good start and get some momentum.”

On his side’s title chances, Rooney believes that his side has a definite shot at the title. ‘”Yes I think so. At times last season we were very good in particular in some of the big games and adding that quality will help us be a bit more consistent. That will give us a real chance at the title.”