Rooney reveals his new No.10 position under Mourinho

The 30-year-old has confirmed that he will be played directly behind a striker this season and will not be used in the deeper role given to him by Louis van Gaal last term

Wayne Rooney admits he is keen to get to grips with his new position after being told by Jose Mourinho that he will play as a No.10 for Manchester United.

The 30-year-old was deployed in a central midfield role during the latter stages of United’s last season under Louis van Gaal and maintained that position throughout England’s Euro 2016 campaign earlier this summer.

But in his debut press conference, Mourinho was adamant that he would not consider Rooney as a midfielder option, and the England captain is relishing the prospect of another change in position. ‘It’s almost like a free role and I am excited to play it,’ said Rooney.

‘He said to me about playing No.10. That is something I’ve now got to work on and get myself in the right position to score goals. I have scored goals all through my career and I have no doubt in my goalscoring ability. Hopefully I can do that this season.

‘I like to be involved in the game and I am now playing for Jose who, straight away, has no fears about players coming deep if they want to.

‘It’s a different way of playing, a different manager and different ideas and if I can bring my game and qualities to this team, then I know I can create chances and score goals.’