MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 23:03:24| >> :120:5836:5836:

Louis van Gaal: 'Wayne Rooney could return to role as striker'

Louis van Gaal claims that fielding Wayne Rooney as a striker is "dependable on the circumstances" of the game, which he says can "change every week".

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he may revert to fielding Wayne Rooney as a striker, rather than continuing to play him in a deeper position in midfield.

The England international has failed to score in his last eight outings for the Red Devils, which has led to suggestions that his adopted role is simply not working.

Van Gaal intends to play Rooney in midfield once more in this evening's meeting with Burnley at Old Trafford, although he admits that could alter with time.

"It can change every week," the Dutchman is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "It is dependable on the circumstances. When I am not lining up Falcao, you are asking 'where is Falcao?'.

"When I don't line up Van Persie you are asking 'where is van Persie?'. When I play Rooney in midfield I know in advance he is not always in the situation to score."

Rooney has scored eight goals in 22 games this term to move up to third place in United's all-time scorers list.

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