Rooney: I Can Play Anywhere

Wayne Rooney believes he has enough talent to play in any position after producing an impressive midfield performance during United’s 2-0 win over Otelul Galati in the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds striker was something of a surprise choice in Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield four, operating alongside Anderson in a central role with Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov up front.

Rooney feels he has the tools to succeed in his new role, commenting: “I’ve said it before, I’m a good enough footballer to play anywhere on the pitch. That’s not being big headed. I feel I’m capable of doing that. If the manager wants me to play there, I’ve no problem doing that.

“I played there a lot [in midfield] when I was younger. You get a lot of the ball there and we had to defend as well at times tonight. If the manager asks me to do it, I’m happy to do it. I don’t know if it’s long term, that’s down to the manager, so we’ll see what he decides.”

United were forced to overcome a Galati team designed to frustrate with an efficient, well-organised defensive display. The Reds’ attacking quality shone through in the end, though, when an own goal forced by Rooney's shot - added to Antonio Valencia's early strike - sealed three well-deserved points.

“We’ve come out and done a job,” declared Rooney. “We knew we had to win but we also know there are no easy games in the Champions League. They came and pressed us quite high which was surprising. Thankfully we got the 2-0 win and if we win our next home game then we’ll win the group.

“It’s difficult in the Champions League, as we saw the other night with Chelsea [drawing 1-1 with Genk]. People might look and think Galati aren’t the best team but if they work hard and defend well it’s difficult to break them down.”

Rooney tried in vain to claim United's second goal. Speaking before UEFA credited it to the otherwise impressive Galati defender Cristian Sirghi, the Reds' number ten said: “I think it’s my goal. I’ve had the shot and I’m sure the lad won’t want an own goal so I’ll wait and see. It would be nice to get it. I’ll wait for UEFA to decide.”