Wayne Rooney’s plans for next season are proof he is losing his legs

Mikey Stafford

Wayne Rooney is going backwards, into midfield.

The Manchester United captain still envisages playing in an attacking role for England at next month’s European Championships but after that he sees the remainder of his career playing out in midfield.

Precisely as he predicted back in 2013, following the second of his major bust-ups with Alex Ferguson. Back then Rooney, unhappy with being played out of position, was agitating for a move to nouveau riche Manchester City.

“I actually felt when I played midfield I did OK but I didn’t want to play there. I felt I deserved the right to play in my position and that wasn’t happening. I can play midfield. Maybe when I’m a bit older, losing my legs a bit, I can go back there,” said Rooney back in 2013.

Despite a cracking goal and dominating display against Bournemouth in Tuesday’s rearranged Premier League finale, it seems Rooney is prepared to admit he is “losing his legs”.

State of Rooney's legs pic.twitter.com/PleUhSNw28

— Out of Context Bandwagons (@bifurcated_MBM) May 17, 2016

Back in April Rooney laid the groundwork for a move to midfield by admitting to studying a former United attacking midfield maestro.

“I have played and watched Paul Scholes play that role for years and I always knew that one day that is where I would play, so I have tried to learn and watch what he did,” he said.

“It is still early days, but hopefully, if I keep playing there, I can develop and get better. We have got a lot of pace in the team now and I think I can read the game quite well – whether to go forward or stay deeper and leave the space for the other lads.”

On Tuesday, following the 3-1 win over Bournemouth where he started and excelled in midfield, Rooney has admitted the time has almost come to give up the old gallivanting up front… after Euro 2016.

“I think sometimes you have to make choices in your career and at the minute it is probably better for me to play deeper,” he said.

“Now obviously that’s a bit different now with England because I could still be the striker, but certainly after that, I am sure for next season, that is probably where I see myself playing.

“I think of course you’re involved in the game,” he added. “I feel like I can dictate games more from there and try and control the tempo in games, which I felt I did quite well tonight.”

From Everton tyro to United record breaker to aging captain. It’s time for the final chapter of the Rooney tale – fans will be hoping it can be a glorious one.