Ince: It's an insult to play Rooney in midfield

Former Manchester United player Paul Ince believes that playing Wayne Rooney in midfield for England is an insult to the Three Lions captain, according to reports.

The Mirror is reporting that former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Ince thinks that Wayne Rooney should not be playing in midfield for the Three Lions, and that utilising him in such a deep role is an insult to the player.

“I think it’s an insult to Rooney to play him in midfield.“ Ince said.

Rooney has drawn criticism from for his performance in England’s 1-0 World Cup qualifier win away at Slovakia on Sunday, with many observers feeling that the Manchester United captain was playing too deep, and was ultimately ineffectual.

Ince points to Rooney’s scoring record with United – the former Everton player is just three goals shy of becoming the Red Devils’ all-time highest goal scorer – and suggest that his skill set is better suited to playing closer to the opponent’s goal.

This is a matter on which United manager José Mourinho would agree. The Portuguese coach outlined his plans for Rooney in his very first press conference as Old Trafford boss, stating clearly that Rooney will not be a midfielder in his team. And Mourinho has been true to his word, starting the 30-year-old in the number 10 position for United’s first three Premier League games.