Football
ESPN staff 8y

Man United's Wayne Rooney expects midfield role next season

Wayne Rooney has said he expects to adopt a midfield role for Manchester United next season after impressing in the role in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

Rooney, 30, has suggested several times that he is likely to move into a deeper role in the final years of his career, and he was named Man of the Match against Bournemouth after scoring and providing an assist in the win.

England boss Roy Hodgson is reportedly considering playing Rooney on the left of the attack at Euro 2016, and the former Everton man is happy to play wherever asked for his country, but he said he will look to cement his place in midfield for his club.

"I think sometimes you have to make choices in your career, and at the minute it is probably better for me to play deeper," he said on the club's official website. 

"Now obviously it is a bit different with England, still being a striker for England, but certainly after that [Euro 2016], for next season, that [midfield] is probably where I see myself playing."

He stressed that he is open to playing in midfield for England if asked to do so.

"I'm sure Roy Hodgson will have his ideas of where he thinks is best for me," he BBC Sport. "It could be where I play for England, but that's down to Roy. I'm sure we'll speak when we meet up and he'll tell me where he wants me to play."

United's victory over Bournemouth meant they finished fifth, below Manchester City on goal difference, and will not take part in the Champions League next season.

Rooney is determined to make amends by beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday.

"Of course a club of this size, with this history, we want to be playing in the biggest competition," he said. "It is very disappointing not to make it, but we've got to pull ourselves together for the game on Saturday. Hopefully we can end the season on a high."

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