Wayne Rooney: I can be Man Utd’s middle man

Posted Monday, November 21, 2011 by The Sun

WAYNE ROONEY insists he is happy to play anywhere in Manchester United's quest for Champions League glory — except right-back!

United face a Group C showdown against Benfica at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Striker Rooney is again likely to be deployed in an unfamiliar central midfield role.

But the England star said: "I love it. I don't care where I play. I'm just happy to be on the pitch, I'll play anywhere.

"Well, probably not right-back, no. But midfield is a role where you can get on the ball and influence the game a bit more."

Despite netting in both his last two Euro clashes, Rooney has not scored a Premier League goal for two months.

And his new midfield berth restricted him to a couple of long-range efforts in the 1-0 win at Swansea on Saturday.

But he shrugged off his top-flight goal drought, insisting: "The important thing is the team and that we work hard together, win together and lose together.

"I don't care if I don't score as long as we win."

Javier Hernandez hit United's winner at Swansea. Rooney said: "He scores goals. He puts himself in the right position and when the chances come, he takes most of them.

"He's still a young player but his movement is fantastic and that gives him the space to get the chances in the box."

United are still five points behind Manchester City in the title race. Roo added: "At this stage last year, Chelsea were running away with the league and we came back to win the title. We have to dig in."

Left-back Patrice Evra is doubtful for the Benfica date. He has a virus and was substituted in the 51st minute against Swansea. Fabio is on stand-by.