Mourinho Clear On Rooney's Position

Jose Mourinho has explained that he sees Wayne Rooney as a forward rather than a midfielder as he starts to formulate his plans for the new season.

The new Manchester United boss says he does not want to use the captain in a deeper position because he has the priceless ability of being able to put the ball in the net. It would seem that if Rooney is not spearheading Mourinho's attack, he is likely to be operating in a no.10 role just behind the front man.

"In football there are many jobs on the field," said Mourinho. "The one that is more difficult to find is the one that puts the ball in the net. Players change during the years of course, their qualities change, so it is normal that a player at his [Wayne's] age changes a little bit.

"However, something that will never change is the natural appetite to put the ball in the net. Maybe he is not a striker anymore, but he will never be a no.6 for me, he will never be someone playing 60 metres from the goal.

"You can tell me his passes are amazing - yes, they are amazing, but my passes are also amazing without pressure. There are many players with a great pass, but there aren't as many players who can put the ball in the net. For me he will be a [number] 9, a 10, or a 9-and-a-half, but not a 6 or even an 8."