Wayne Rooney is seemingly a midfielder nowadays. The position that almost forced him out of the club last summer.
Manchester United’s new boss Louis van Gaal had several tough decisions to make at the start of the new season, perhaps none more so than deciding on his new captain.
Ryan Giggs had retired while Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra all left the club – leaving him with a decision to make over Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie.
In the end the armband went to Rooney, with Darren Fletcher a perhaps surprise choice as vice.
However, judging by comments Rooney made in October 2013 Van Gaal may have some trouble keeping a hold of the England captain in the future.
Everyone knows that last summer there was some serious debate over the future of Rooney at Old Trafford. He was being linked with plenty of moves after what was a reported breakdown in the relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The arrival of David Moyes seemed to change everything and Rooney stayed, even signing a whopper new deal.
But he revealed about 13 months ago now what it was that made him consider his future – playing in the position that Van Gaal has made it clear he will play for Manchester United.
Rooney was unhappy at playing in midfield.
“Everyone at the club knew where I wanted to play and I think that’s why I was disappointed. I got told to play in midfield and I didn’t want to. I just think there had to come a point when, for my own career, I had to be a bit selfish really.”
Rooney has been used as a midfielder more often than not under the new boss and it would seem his future at United is as a midfield player, at least while Van Gaal is the boss anyway.
Of course now things are different. Rooney has a massive long-term deal and the captains armband – perhaps he is willing to swallow the midfield pill this time around.
But if not, this is a situation that could brew up as the season goes on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
