Louis van Gaal: 'Manchester United need Wayne Rooney in midfield'

Louis van Gaal has said that Manchester United would have a problem in midfield if he returned Wayne Rooney to his normal position as striker.

The club captain, who has scored eight goals in 23 appearances this season, has played behind the likes of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in recent weeks.

The Red Devils manager told reporters: "Rooney is maybe our best striker, but I am playing him in midfield because I have to look at which players make the biggest contribution and in what position.

"While I agree that maybe Rooney is better as a striker if I play him there, then I have a problem in midfield."

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that he will continue to use Rooney up front.