Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will continue to play a deeper role than normal in midfield.

Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park saw Rooney play in a midfield role for the Red Devils.

Christian Benteke fired the Villans into the lead but Rooney’s new role allowed striker Radamel Falcao to start the game and he delivered as he scored the crucial equaliser. After going behind Van Gaal changed the team to a 3-4-3 formation and Rooney’s contribution helped United draw level.

During the game, Rooney continued to show his versatility and demonstrate that he is still making a huge impact at the club. The England captain has scored or created 94 goals in his last 100 league games at Old Trafford and Van Gaal is planning to play him in midfield once again.

He told MUTV: “Against Aston Villa, he was more of a defensive midfielder. He has the ability to run from box to box – that is also a little bit that he has to feel in the match, to read in the match that he can do that.

“That is a matter of time and I believe that he can do that.”

United’s players were given Christmas Day off for a change on Thursday ahead of their Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United.

Over the festive period, Van Gaal admits he will change his squad with a difficult game against Tottenham coming up on Sunday.

The Red Devils are priced at 2.25 to win at White Hart Lane, with the draw at 3.15, while Spurs are on offer at 2.96 to take all three points with Dafabet.