Former Arsenal star reveals real reason behind Wayne Rooney's poor form

Paul Merson says Wayne Rooney must be played as a No10

WAYNE ROONEY should not play as a centre-forward, according to Paul Merson.

 

The former Arsenal and Aston Villa man believes Louis van Gaal is stifling his creativity by playing him as a No9.

And he predicts that if Rooney was dropped deeper to his favoured No10 role then his form would drastically increase.

 

He told the Daily Star: "“Van Gaal plays him as a centre-forward, but I don’t believe that is his position, and it’s starting to show in his performances.

“People say he is a goalscorer so he should play up front. But he is a No.10. He likes to have 50 touches a game, not 15 or 20.

 

"Rooney likes to drop off and pick a pass. Not play with his back to goal.Normally he is enthusiastic every time he goes out on the pitch. 

"But he does not look like he is enjoying playing for his manager in that position – and I can’t see it changing any time soon.”