Xavi believes Wayne Rooney should operate from a deeper role in order to extend his career

Wayne Rooney is struggling to make an impact when deployed as a striker for Manchester United

Barcelona legend Xavi believes Wayne Rooney should play in a deeper role in order to prolong his career, Sky Sports reports. The midfield maestro, who moved from his boyhood club Barcelona to the Qatari side Al-Sadd earlier this season, talked about Rooney and how much he admires the Manchester United forward.

He said, “Wayne Rooney is a player I have admired for a long time. He is an extraordinary player with extraordinary capabilities.

“Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it's time for him to adapt. You get to an age and you can't play the game you once used to, you can't cover the ground you used to. But intelligent players adapt and there's no doubting Rooney has a very good footballing brain,” Xavi explained.

The World Cup winner also talked about why Manchester United should consider playing a striker other than the ex-Everton player.

He stated, “Maybe it's time for a new striker at Manchester United, who can run for 90 minutes, but Rooney would be very dangerous in a deeper role. He has the vision and the passing range to play that role very well.

“If he can adapt, there's no reason why he can't play at the top level for another five or six seasons. But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can't do what it used to be able to do.”

Van Gaal will drop you even if you are the best: Xavi

The 35-year-old midfielder was handed his debut for Barcelona by current United manager Louis Van Gaal in 1998. He is well aware of the Dutchman’s approach to the players and how much he prefers performance over names.

“Van Gaal does not respect names, though. It doesn't matter if you are the best player in the world, if he wants to drop you from the team, then he will drop you from the team,” he said.

“I respect and like Van Gaal because he is honest and direct, and I like to deal with people like that, but it can be hard to listen to his harsh criticism at times. But if you do, it will ultimately improve you,” the midfielder added.

Rooney has scored only two goals in the Premier League this term

This is not the first instance that Rooney has been touted to excel in a more deeper role. Earlier this year, United legend Paul Scholes praised Rooney’s passing range and his ability to move into a deeper role.

He had great first few matches when LVG moved him in the center midfield, but eventually the lack of goals and strikers forced LVG to reinstate the skipper into his favorite centre forward role.

Rooney has endured a tough start to the season, as he has managed only two goals in the Premier League thus far. He has been subjected to a lot of criticism for his blunt performances this term.