ESPN pundit Paul Mariner believes that Wayne Rooney “can’t” play in Manchester United‘s preferred system under Jose Mourinho, following another below-par display at the weekend.
Last season Rooney was deployed in a deeper midfield role by Louis van Gaal with mixed results, while Roy Hodgson also opted to play him in the middle of the park for England. His wavering form and poor performances drew plenty of criticism, with many fans calling for him to start in his preferred position up top.
It appeared that Mourinho agreed following his appointment, but Rooney has since been playing in an attacking midfield role, despite the world-record signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus. As a result, the French international has partnered Marouane Fellaini in recent weeks from a deeper position, and has yet to hit top form.
While some believe Mourinho’s perseverance with the 30-year-old is having a detrimental effect on Pogba, Mariner is of the opinion that he doesn’t fit into United’s current system at all.
“He’s [Mourinho] got to sort out the system, he’s got to sort out Rooney and he’s got to get the right players in the system,” the pundit told ESPN FC.
“You can argue until you’re blue in the face what system. With the players that he’s got at his availability, what system is he going to play?
“I’m not sure that he knows. It’s certainly a system that Rooney can’t play in.”
An ever-present for Mourinho this season, Rooney has scored one goal and created 12 chances in five Premier League appearances, with a shot accuracy of 60% and an average pass accuracy of 85%, as the Red Devils have fallen off the pace at this early stage.
Losing their last three games in all competitions, United sit seventh on nine points, one behind the top four and six adrift of rampant leaders Manchester City. Next up for them is an away clash at Northampton Town in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, before taking on champions Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
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