FA Cup: Wayne Rooney to dig deep for Manchester United

Everton v Manchester United FA Cup

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Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney insists he is willing to play in a midfield role going forward at Old Trafford.

The former Everton striker has slowly dropped deeper under manager Louis van Gaal and has now admitted for the first time he is happy to continue in the role.

The likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have impressed this season and Rooney’s lack of pace has seen him play just behind the striker under the Dutchman.

He started Saturday’s FA Cup final against Everton in midfield and the 30-year-old admits he will be happy to play there in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils are priced at 1.36 to win the final, while Palace are available at 3.00, and Rooney insists he hopes he can emulate United great Paul Scholes in the engine room.

He said: “I’ve known for a few years. I have played there a few times throughout my career and I can play that position.

“I have played and watched Paul Scholes play that role for years and I always knew that one day that is where I would play, so I have tried to learn and watch what he did.

“It is still early days, but hopefully, if I keep playing there, I can develop and get better.

“We have got a lot of pace in the team now and I think I can read the game quite well – whether to go forward or stay deeper and leave the space for the other lads.

“Obviously it is down to the manager, and for the team more importantly it is the right thing to do at this moment in time.”

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