Manchester United: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #1: That Wayne Rooney can find a position and excel at it.

Is Wayne Rooney a midfielder or is he still a striker? That seems to be the $60,000 dollar (or 46164.50 in British pounds) question at Old Trafford. After a rather prolific career as United’s top scorer it seems to be a push now more than ever to have Rooney play in the midfield. Even Mourinho seems to acknowledge that there is a bit of a question as to who his status rather cheekily stating to The Guardian,

"Maybe he is not a striker any more. Maybe he is not a No9 any more but, with me, he will never be a No6. He will never be somebody playing 50 metres from the goal. You can tell me his passing is amazing. Yes, his passing is amazing but my passing is also amazing without pressure. There are many players with a great pass but to be there and put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing to find. So, for me, he will be a nine or a 10 – a nine and a half maybe – but not a six and not even an eight."

Whether Rooney plays as an attacker or a midfielder is frankly irrelevant. What is important is finding a role for him where the club can maximize his potential. Although football is a young man’s game, at 31, Rooney still has plenty to give.

The biggest problem that Manchester United have had in recent seasons isn’t Rooney. It is that they have not had the right pieces around him. Bringing in Ibrahimovic should help ease some of the pressure off of Rooney and allow him to do what he does best: set up his teammates and find space at the top of the eighteen. A year of experience for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will also help.

The midfield may be where Rooney is destined in future years. But for now Mourinho would be wise to utilize his talents at both midfield and on the attack.

Next: Hope #2: That they can avoid another winter wobble.