Ryan Giggs Comments on Wayne Rooney, Jose Mourinho, Daniel Sturridge and More

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho has "confused" club captain Wayne Rooney by moving him further forward this season after years of him transitioning into midfield. 

Per the Sun's Tom Sheen, the Welshman—who spent much of his career playing on the left wing before moving into a central position as he got older—told ITV:

"

I see a player who’s going through a transitional period, I went through it when I was 29 or 30, where I was a winger and I couldn’t knock it around a defender and get it the other side.

I feel a little bit sorry for him, towards last season and for England in the summer he was played in that deeper role, then he was told he’s playing as a No. 9 or a No. 10 [by Mourinho], he’s probably a bit confused.

"

Per ITV Football, Giggs discussed Rooney with fellow pundits Ian Wright and Lee Dixon:

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes Giggs is wrong to single out Mourinho, though:

According to Transfermarkt, Rooney has played as a centre-forward, support striker and in attacking midfield this season, while WhoScored.com reported he has also played in central midfield.

Rooney spent much of his early career as a striker, but in recent years, his best position has been the subject of much debate.

Many believe his future lies as a No. 10 or further back because of his passing ability, coupled with his loss of pace and inability to trouble defenders the way he used to.

The Independent's Mark Ogden noted the way Rooney's game has changed over the years:

His poor form—which has been enduring for some time—has only served to exacerbate the situation, while former England manager Sam Allardyce's comments did little to help, per football writer Michael Cox:

Writing for ESPN FC, Cox attributed Rooney's drop in form to moving into midfield under former United boss Louis van Gaal, because his demands that the Red Devils captain man-mark his opponents "did nothing to teach the basic positional characteristics required" of becoming an effective midfielder.

Meanwhile, football writer Liam Canning believes Rooney simply lacks the skills needed to shine in a deeper role:

The England international's decline has been plain for many to see for some time, despite him only being 30, and the contrast with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo—who is eight months older and with whom he was compared heavily earlier in his career—is staggering.

Rooney is perhaps a victim of playing too much, too young having burst on to the scene when he was just 16 and playing regularly ever since, coupled with the tireless running he was previously known for.

Mourinho and interim England manager Gareth Southgate have been wise to drop him from their starting lineups of late—he'll need to be used sparingly to prolong his career, and his form hasn't warranted a place anyway—but they face a real dilemma of where to use him when he is on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Giggs also commented on Daniel Sturridge, who started England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia before being replaced by Marcus Rashford in the 82nd minute.

Per MailOnline's Tom Farmery, he told ITV:

"

I played with Sturridge at the Olympics [in 2012 for Great Britain].

He has everything. He's got a good touch, good finisher, he's quick, he can run the channels but to be a top, top player... decision-making. 

You have to make the right decisions. You have to make the right decisions more often than you make bad decisions. Today there were just too many bad decisions.

"

The Liverpool striker failed to convert the chances that came his way and drew a lot of ire after failing to pass to better-positioned team-mates, per the Telegraph:

The Telegraph's Matt Law and the Times' Matt Hughes gave further insight:

Most great goalscorers tend to have a selfish streak as part of their nature, but the best know when to go for goal themselves and when to pass it.

As he competes for playing time with Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford, he'll need to show he can be replied upon to do that when the situation calls for it.

Similarly, he'll need to do the same at Liverpool if he's to establish himself as a key player in Jurgen Klopp's plans—the Reds attack in numbers with pace and even their forwards cover plenty of ground for the team.

Sturridge is a talented player, but there are still ways he needs to improve for both club and country.