Louis van Gaal will move Wayne Rooney to midfield for Manchester United as he believes Radamel Falcao is better up front.

Juan Mata is no longer a first choice option in midfield less than one year after his transfer from Chelsea.

"We have played well but can improve and I was not so satisfied with Rooney as a striker and Mata as midfielder and that’s why I’m changing.

“Rooney can play in more positions, he’s a multifunctional player and I have tried him in a striker’s position. He’s played well but not spectacular and Falcao is a striker and I think he can do it better.”

Van Gaal again played a 4-3-1-2 formation with Rooney in the hole behind the strikers and after stating on Friday his captain has “privileges” regarding always being selected.

The 28-year-old also admitted he is now a different kind of footballer. “I’m not the player I was. I feel I’ve progressed my game. So I agree with the people who say my game has changed. I [did] too much running when I was younger and then didn’t have the energy to get myself into scoring positions in the box.

“I’m a cleverer player now and know when to run into the box and when not to, and as a result more chances have come my way and I’ve scored a lot more goals.”