The Reds skipper found himself in a defensive midfield position against Burnley and Dutchman Van Gaal says he will persist with him in a deeper role
Louis van Gaal says taking Wayne Rooney out of midfield would cause a "problem" for Manchester United.
The 29-year-old has been deployed in a deeper role since the turn of the year, and, despite impressing in his first few outings as a midfielder, Van Gaal has received calls to elevate him back into a more advanced attacking role.
Rooney found himself in a defensive midfield position against Burnley on Wednesday night after Daley Blind was forced off just before half-time through injury.
And Van Gaal was impressed with his skipper's performance in a deeper role.
"I have to look for the better balance and I think until now because of Rooney, we have a better balance in midfield," he told Sky Sports.
"I was very pleased how he replaced Daley Blind in the number six position.
In pictures - Manchester United 3-1 Burnley:
"He showed composure and of course he was also today the Rooney that I want to see, but he has showed that he can play in every position.
"Maybe he can better play in a striker's position but then I have a problem in midfield."
It remains to be seen how willing Rooney will be to continue in a deeper role over an extended period of time.
With Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie struggling to strike up an effective partnership, Rooney might feel that the team's best interests are served with him up front.
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