Manchester United: Is Wayne Rooney Moving to Midfield the Solution for United?

Ever since Manchester United acquired Robin van Persie over the summer transfer window, Wayne Rooney's future at Old Trafford has been a subject of much discussion and debate. 

The England international and No. 1 striker for the Red Devils is likely to see reduced minutes with the acquisition of Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa this summer; thus the question remains as to what his future at Manchester United truly holds.

Will he beat out Van Persie and remain the team's top striker, or will the Dutch international replace him (and his importance) at United?

It seems that Rooney himself has an answer for United's striker dilemma—quoted via The Daily Mail—as saying that he is more than happy to make a move to midfield from attack, should it be in the best interests of Manchester United:

"

[In midfield] I get more of the ball, I’m involved loads and, after one game, I even think about playing there permanently, but only later in my career.

Once I feel that I haven’t got the sharpness needed to get away from defenders [in attack], I’ll probably drop back into midfield for a couple of seasons so I can still influence the game...

"

Interesting comments there from Rooney.

First of all, let's point out that the England international is not saying that he will move to midfield this season when he returns from injury; nor is he saying that he no longer has the sharpness and skill needed to succeed in attack for United.

However, what is clear is that Rooney understands the situation at Old Trafford and knows that he can contribute to the success of the team in a myriad of ways—one of which being in midfield.

His creativity and ability to build attacks are both excellent attributes for midfielders, and having already played there for the Red Devils previously, he would no doubt thrive in midfield, should he make a move there at some point this season.

With talented wingers such as Antonio Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young as well as a dynamic attack including Van Persie and Kagawa, United have the squad depth available to both cover and succeed with Rooney in midfield.

I can't see it happening any time in the near future, but it is still a very viable option for the Red Devils to consider at some point this season. Rooney is one of the best players in world football, and would succeed regardless of where he was played—meaning that moving him into midfield is a handy option for Sir Alex Ferguson to have available throughout the English Premier League season.

Moving Rooney won't immediately solve the striker-dilemma at United anymore than playing he or Van Persie as a substitute will this season.

But it is an excellent option for the Red Devils to have.

Should Manchester United move Wayne Rooney into midfield?

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