Poll: Should Rooney heed Xavi’s advice and drop into midfield?

Wayne Rooney hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons once again last night after fluffing his lines from the penalty spot in Manchester United’s League Cup shootout loss to Middlesbrough.

The United captain may not have started the game but a 45-minute run out against a Championship side, albeit one in great form, should have been an ideal opportunity for Rooney to quieten those doubting his ability to still produce the goods.

Barcelona legend Xavi recently called for Rooney to consider adapting his game and dropping into midfield to ensure he continues playing at the top level for the next five or six years.

“Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it’s time for him to adapt,” the 35-year-old said.

“If he can adapt, there’s no reason why he can’t play at the top level for another five or six seasons. But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can’t do what it used to be able to do.”

With a paltry return of just three goals in his last 18 domestic outings the Spaniard may have a point.
But what do you think? Can Rooney come good and prove he’s just as deadly as he’s always been?

Or is it time the recently-turned 30-year-old adapted his game and accommodated the young, pacy and goal-hungry Anthony Martial for the good of his team?

Have your say in the poll below.

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