Wayne Rooney played remarkably well during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup. The Englishman was given the No.10 role, a position he has played in before in his career.
Rooney excelled in his role and turned in one of his best games of the season. The 30-year-old believes he learned the art of midfield play from the great Paul Scholes. The retired United man was arguably the best midfielder in Premier League history.
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The United captain is generally used to playing as the central striker but Louis Van Gaal switched him to a midfield role against Aston Villa. After watching the positive effect that had, he was promoted even further up the pitch to the traditional No 10. role in the FA cup game, and it worked wonders.
Rooney admitted that he learnt to play that role from the best. “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.”
The 30-year-old has played in that position before but not very often. When asked if it felt natural to play in that role again he replied, “I've known for a few years, I have played there a few times throughout my career and I can play that position.”
United have found it difficult to fill the void that Scholes left when he retired, but Rooney might provide Van Gaal with the solution to his midfield woes. “It is still early days, but hopefully if I keep playing there I can develop and get better” said the England skipper.
Rooney feels there is improvement in the team’s performances
United haven’t had the best of seasons but a recent upturn in form sees them only 5 points behind Arsenal in 4th with a game in hand. Van Gaal also has the chance to win United’s first piece of silverware in three years if he manages to defeat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Rooney is optimistic about finishing the season strongly saying, ”We have got a lot of pace in the team now and I think I can read the game quite well -- whether to go forward or stay deeper and leave the space for the other lads.”
The manager has now seen what Rooney can do in the No. 10 role but the striker says it’s up to the Dutchman as to whether he will continue in the same position. “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.”
