Wayne Rooney: Attack or Midfield?

Over the past few seasons, there has been much talk over the Manchester United player's current, and future position, as to whether the 27 year old is most effective up front, or deeper, as an aggressive midfielder. In my opinion, Rooney is by far the most effective in a supporting role, and probably has had the most success playing just deeper than the main striker, but as he ages and his fitness worsens, might the midfield role be best?

The signing of Javier Hernandez from Guadalajara for the 10/11 season formed what was to be a formidable partnership between the Mexican poacher and Rooney, where the latter played as a supporting striker in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

As a supporting striker, the England star would drag opposition centre-backs from their position into midfield by simply dropping deep which would create space for his partner in crime to run into and break the defensive line. However, when he starts in midfield, dragging a centre-back out isn't an option, but since Hernandez starts more infrequently due to the capture of RVP, this doesn't have the greatest of impacts on their attack.



Rooney's role could open up a lot of space for RVP & Ronaldo


The signing of Shinji Kagawa put the probability of seeing Rooney in midfield slim any time soon, and should Ronaldo return to Old Trafford, it's likely that we'll see a 1-3 attack for United next season.

If Ronaldo and RVP do play as inside forwards, then Rooney could actually revert to the deep-lying striker role which brought him success with Hernandez, whilst Shinji Kagawa plays in a more free role behind.

This season, Rooney has played just one game as the striker, and got a rating of a measly 6.54, compared to an average of 7.57 in the 15 games he has played as attacking midfielder, in which he has also bagged himself 9 goals and assisted his teammates for another 5.

As a Midfielder

Few strikers have the ability to play in the more congested midfield, but perhaps Wayne Rooney is even more suited there than up front. His hard-working and determined nature means that unlike most forwards-turned-midfielders, he isn't a great defensive weakness - he can (and will) support the defence to a considerable degree of effectiveness as well, better than Kagawa infact.

For the majority of the season though, Rooney has featured in the position of attacking midfielder, does Ferguson have the vision of him making a gradual transition deeper, despite the fact that he won't be the manager by the time he is at the point which Giggs is at now?

Using all of the qualities developed upfront, Rooney would be brilliant at the top of a midfield triangle, as he could change the tempo of the play and would be excellent at increasing the pace of the transitions which would catch many teams out, on the counter or not.

Without the responsibility of leading the line either, he can play with much more freedom in midfield. On top of this he is likely to have much more space to roam in since the quality of United's frontline (more so if Ronaldo joins) is likely to force the opposition to get many players back defending, leaving fewer numbers in the midfield areas to deal with Rooney.

Should the opposition team not do this, and not alter the positioning of their banks in recognition of United's potentially brilliant force, then the 79-time capped England forward will simply make driving, unmarked runs from deep as soon as he breaks the midfield line to join the attack and most likely overload the opposition defence.



www.WhoScored.com

 I am of the opinion that Rooney is much more suited to a midfield role, and WhoScored seems to agree, as many of the strengths that they list make for a great attacking midfielder.

His passing stats on WhoScored also tell a similar story, he averages 2.4 key passes per start, and also 45 passes at a completion percentage of 83.4%. With a key pass every 18 normal, and an assist every 4.5 key passes, you can see that Rooney's creativity in attacking midfield is vital for the forwards ahead of him to feed off of.

One thing he may need to work on, like Bale in his new central role, is his retention of the ball. As a striker, he never really had to focus on this aspect of his game as they are responsible for producing the end product of build-up play. With that being said, the demands of the modern game means that more and more 'newer' strikers can contribute to their teams build up play and retain possession if necessary, though I think Rooney is definitely capable of this, it may just need a fine-tuning.

As a Striker

There is quite a strong argument against my opinion, and that Rooney should stay up front. His goal record in the Premiership speaks volumes, at a goal every 1.9 games, which averages at exactly 20 goals per season, and that's in the League alone. With a good of a goalscorer as that, it could well be classed as a waste to position them in midfield.

Only RVP has scored more than Rooney at 19, and if the England striker plays in midfield, the only other option for the central attacking role is Hernandez (should RVP and Ronaldo flank him). A pure poacher definitely wouldn't fit into that attacking system however, and a provider like Rooney would be much more effective.

The attacking line-up would still be world class even if Ronaldo didn't return to Old Trafford. In the scenario that Mourinho is manager, I would assume that a 4-1-2-1-2 formation could be used, as he has experience with it at Porto and Inter, but it also fits the attack very well. No United wingers have had great seasons so far, Valencia and Young maybe the best though both haven't been consistent in appearances, and the final 1-2 could create a very promising combination of Kagawa/Rooney-Van Persie. This is the only formation I could see Rooney and RVP both playing up front under Mourinho, as we all know the Portuguese manager isn't a fan at all of the 4-4-2.

Should he do stay up front, there is room for the likes of Kagawa to take on the attacking responsibilities in midfield, adding more creativity to the side, especially in that potential quartet going forward.

He could also play a similar role to the one in which he featured alongside Chicharito in the 2010/2011, where he drops deep into the midfield from the striker position. Dragging a defender from deep could create a 2v1 scenario with both RVP and Ronaldo cutting inside against one helpless centre-back.

Playing up front does restrict him in utilising some of his best aspects, such as passing. Rooney makes on average 2.4 key passes every game in which he starts this season (41 in 17), this is the highest throughout the whole Manchester United side. Should he move back upfront, United would lack his creative influence in the hole and this would put more pressure on the likes of Kagawa to perform better.

It seems that Wayne Rooney has taken his first steps into a deeper role this season due to the signing of Van Persie, will he continue to gradually shift down the pitch? I certainly hope so.

Thanks for reading, feedback on the article welcome, whether negative or positive! Do you think Rooney belongs in attack or midfield? Have your say in the comments!

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