Wayne Rooney striker role in doubt after Louis van Gaal admits Radamel Falcao 'can do it better'

The Manchester United captain may have to make do with a place in midfield

Wayne Rooney (GETTY IMAGES)

Wayne Rooney's role as a striker could be over at Manchester United after Louis van Gaal admitted he had not been "satisfied" with the return from his captain.

The Manchester United manager made the comments in the wake of the shock 5-3 defeat to Leicester in which Rooney played behind Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.

The Dutchman suggested that Falcao, signed on on loan from Monaco, can do a better job in one of the striker positions.

“We have played well, but can improve, and I was not so satisfied with Rooney as a striker and Mata as midfielder,” Van Gaal said after the defeat that means United have still won just the one game this season. “That is why I changed. Rooney can play in more positions, he’s a multi-functional player and I have tried him in a striker’s position. He has played well, but not spectacular. Falcao is a striker and I think he can do it better.”

While Rooney looks set to be chopped from his preferred position as Van Gaal tries to accommodate the array of attacking talents he has assembled at Old Trafford, the England international can still be expected to be found a role in the side.

Prior to the incredible game at the King Power Stadium on Sunday lunchtime, Van Gaal explained that in his role as captain Rooney "has more privileges" than the rest of the players. "There are always players we put in the line-up in a team - my captain shall always play," he said.

Rooney had said himself that he expects to play as a midfielder at some point in his career - it just seems it might happen sooner than expected.