Wayne Rooney reveals reasons behind problems at Man United

Wayne Rooney has revealed his frustration at being asked to play out of position by Sir Alex Ferguson last season at Manchester United.

The 27-year-old’s future was a source of relentless debate during the transfer window after then United boss Ferguson claimed the striker asked to leave the club towards the end of last season.

Chelsea failed in their attempts to lure the forward to Stamford Bridge despite making two official bids, while Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain were also credited with an interest in the striker.

But Rooney, who has been one of United’s standout performers so far this season, says he had simply grown frustrated at being deployed in midfield by Ferguson.

“Everyone at the club knew where I wanted to play and I think that’s why I was disappointed,” Rooney said.

“I got told to play in midfield and I didn’t want to. I just think there had to come a point when, for my own career, I had to be a bit selfish really.

“I actually felt when I played in midfield I did OK, but I didn’t want to play there. I’ve had no problem in the past playing out of position, but I felt I deserved the right to play in my position and that wasn’t happening.

“I think, naturally, I was a bit disappointed and maybe that affected some of the games I played. I know myself that last year wasn’t my best season but there were times when I was playing in different positions.”