Louis van Gaal says Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney will get the chance to play in his favoured position as a central striker in the new season.

The England skipper found himself deployed in a deeper role at times last season but the Old Trafford boss says is going to play him high up this season.

The Dutchman joked at a press conference that media pressure is forcing him to allow Rooney play further forward.
“I have listened to you,” Van Gaal told journalists. “You have more knowledge than I. Now Rooney is there.”

Rooney meanwhile has set himself a target of scoring 20 goals next season – assuming van Gaal remains true to his word.
“I hope to score 20 or more goals again,” said Rooney. “If I’m playing as a striker, then I will be disappointed if I can’t do that again.”

Rooney has failed to net 20 goals in a season since 2011/12, when he found the net 34 times. Robin van Persie’s presence at Old Trafford may have hindered his chances at times but he now feels he is ready to get back to contributing heavily on the scoresheet.

“I’ve played different roles over the years for United but you only have to look when I play for England as a striker I score goals,” Rooney added.

Van Gaal also paid tribute to Rooney for his leadership skills in his role as captain, revealing he was impressed by what he saw last season from the 29-year-old.

“I could not expect more. He is a great captain. Better than I had expected. He is fully accepted by the players. That is also very important,” van Gaal said.

Rooney is 17.00 to be top goalscorer in the Premier League next season while Manchester United are 6.00 to win the title.