adminMANCHESTER.— Wayne Rooney will revert to his old role of being a striker at Manchester United, according to the club’s new manager Jose Mourinho.
“There are many jobs on the field. One of hardest to find is the one that puts the ball in the net.
“He (Rooney) will never be a number 6 or playing 50 metres from the goal.
“To be there and to put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing.
“He will be a 9, a 10, a 9 1/2 . . . but not a 6 or even an 8.”
Addressing his first Press conference at Old Trafford yesterday, Mourinho was also asked about his record of promoting young players.
And the Manchester United boss was clearly prepared for this question as he pulled out a list of names.
He said: “I have promoted 49 youth players from Academies. If you want, I can give you that list. Two factors that are very important on these records, because sometimes you promote because you don’t have another chance or so many injuries, you have to bring them in.
“The second factor is when you are not playing for big targets then it is easier to bring them up. My record of injuries is very, very low. I never promote players because of a need — I do it because of conviction.” — The Mirror.
Online Reporter