Manchester United
legend David Beckham has advised club captain Wayne Rooney to become
a midfielder to help prolong his career, per the Daily Star.
The England record goalscorer has struggled for form in
finding the net for United this season, having struck just one Premier
League goal in United’s opening eight games of the new campaign.
Critics and supporters are calling for
Rooney to
be dropped with the largely influential figure failing to
inspire his teammates at this stage, with Ander Herrera and Marouane
Fellaini possible replacement candidates.
Rooney has featured largely in the No.10 role with new teenage
sensation Anthony Martial leading the attack, and Beckham believes the
29-year-old’s future lies in midfield.
Beckham said: “I think when you get
older, you have to adapt your play. Ryan Giggs was a prime example. He
got to a certain age and then he dropped into midfield a lot more and
played that central role.
“I think Wayne will do the same. He’s an out-and-out goalscorer, but I
think at the end of the day with Wayne, he’s proved he can step into
the midfield and play.
“If you’re comfortable on the ball, as players such as Wayne and Giggsy are you can do that.”
The ex-England captain’s reference to Giggs is vindicated as the
Welshman went on to make a record number of club appearances at Old
Trafford, racking up an unbeatable 963 appearances.
Rooney is currently 10th in the Red
Devils’ all-time appearance records, and with the striker having being
dealt a more backwards role for England away from the front line, it
seems his No.9 days could be over.
The former Everton forward is known for his passing and committed
attitude, and after being tested in a deeper role before it’s not new
territory for Rooney.
David Beckham was talking to the media to promote UNICEF’s Match For Children on the 14th November at Old Trafford.
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