Wayne Rooney's midfield role for Man United backed by Eddie Howe
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney will still be a goal threat even if he is switched to a midfield role, according to Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.
United face Bournemouth on Sunday in their final league match of the season. Louis van Gaal's team are hoping that they can win while Manchester City lose against Swansea City, which would snatch an unlikely top-four finish for United.
Rooney, who has scored seven Premier League goals this season, has been deployed in a midfield role of late, with Marcus Rashford preferred by Van Gaal as United's main striker.
Howe told the Bournemouth Echo: "Whether I would have moved Wayne Rooney right back into a deeper midfield role, I don't know, but I can certainly see the logic behind it.
Manchester United
AFC Bournemouth
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"I don't think it matters what position he plays, he is a very good footballer and you don't score the number of goals he has without being a top player.
"Players like that don't lose the habit of scoring goals. They find areas on the pitch where they can be a danger.
"Wherever he plays, he will be a goal threat and someone we need to deal with. I think it is a clever move and one that could prolong his career, definitely."
Bournemouth have little of significance to play for at Old Trafford, having comfortable secured their Premier League status this season following promotion.
Howe, though, said that a trip to Old Trafford is a big day for their club and they want to finish the season on a high.
He said: "When you are at Bournemouth and you play Manchester United, it is an historic moment.
"It is about giving a good performance and making sure that we are where we need to be mentally for what is a big game for them and, with it being the last match of the season, a big day for us as well.
"We need to be at our best levels. We have had such a good season -- when you review it, you have to view it that way -- but we want to finish on a good note."
Arindam is ESPN FC's Manchester United correspondent. Follow him @ARejSport
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