Jose Mourinho: Wayne Rooney Will no Longer Play in Midfield for United

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has told Wayne Rooney that he won’t play as a midfielder for Manchester United anymore while he’s still in charge. Last season, the 30-year-old Man-United captain moved into midfield position under Louis van Gaal and continued in that position for England at EURO 2016.

Mourinho is certain that scoring goals remains Rooney’s biggest strength. However, he made it clear that the Man-United and England captain will no longer play in such a deep-lying midfield.

Speaking in his first press conference on Tuesday, 05 July 2016, the Man-United boss said Rooney will be a number nine, a number ten, or a number nine-and-half, but with him, he won’t be a number six, not even a number eight.

Image of Jose Mourinho

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The former Chelsea boss was criticised for his hesitancy to play youngsters. According to UK Sports Yahoo, Mourinho quickly addressed that almost 50 players have made their professional debut under him during his time at various clubs. He also pointed out that he promoted 49 youngsters from youth academies.

Rooney to be honoured

According to Sky Sports, last season, Rooney scored 15 goals for Man-United and will be honoured in a testimonial, on the 3rd of August 2016. In April 2016, the midfielder said he knew for a while that he will play in midfield.

Rooney’s Awards in 2009/11

  • Rooney won the FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
  • He was crowned in the FIFPro World 11 for 2011.
  • Rooney also won the ‘BBC’s Match of the Day – Goal of the Season’
  • Also won the ‘Premier League Goal of the 20 Seasons’ award.
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Nigel Frith