Man Utd 4-3-1-2 shows Rooney class in midfield

Wayne Rooney has had time off the seriously think about his Old Trafford future and going by his resume – he will return on fire.

The question is, where will he play and what formation will Sir Alex Ferguson use.

Rooney has himself hinted to a possible solution to United’s current midfield problems in his new book, My Decade In The Premier League, out on 13 September.

Excerpts that have been published have Rooney seeing himself dropping in to a midfield role - in the hole just behind the striker.

Though Rooney said he eventually sees himself in that role, Sir Alex would currently want him up front forming the ‘deadly’ strike partnership with Robin Van Persie that every Red Devil has been craving since the Dutch hitman arrived from Arsenal at Old Trafford. 

However, the slow and tough start to Premier League life that Shinji Kagawa has had and the lack of midfield prowess suggests Rooney might have to evolve in to a middle-of-the-park creative force earlier than anticipated.

Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs were meant to come off the bench this season, with the likes of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverely stepping up in midfield.

That has not happened, not least thanks to a clutch of injuries.

This leaves Scholes and Giggs now playing the first XI like it was 2005. Nani’s miserable performances pose a problem as well, with Ashely Young out injured.

This may leave Sir Alex no choice but to have Rooney pulling the strings in midfield, with Carrick playing the role of holding midfielder.

Javier Hernandez has shown he can be a lively and effective foil to Van Persie.

Which probably gives Sir Alex the chance to go 4-3-1-2, in a formation that best suits the options he has.

The 26-year old did exactly that in Manchester United’s Capital One Cup tie against Newcastle on Wednesday. 

Tottenham on Saturday will be next.

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