Wayne Rooney has demanded Sir Alex Ferguson give him the central role he feels he deserves when Manchester United begin life after Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and the defence of their Premier League title on August 15.
With no new additions to his squad, Ferguson must make an educated gamble on whether or not to stick with England international Rooney as a central striker alongside the much-maligned Dimitar Berbatov, who failed to catch fire in his first full campaign at Old Trafford, when the new season gets underway.

Alternatively, Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and Antonio Valencia could be brought in as Ferguson attempts to beef up his attacking options.

Rooney was switched from his preferred role up front to operate on different wings to accommodate Ronaldo at times last season but the former Everton favourite feels he is well placed to provide the firepower for United if he is given the chance.

“I want to play in the position where I feel I’m best,” he told The Times. “A lot of people think I’m best as a centre forward.

“To play in a Champions League final and to play week in, week out for Manchester United is a privilege and it’s something I’m very lucky to be doing, but I don’t think playing on the wing I can express myself as much as I like to.”

The Liverpudlian feels he has failed to sparkle when asked to play wide and accepts his task could be made more difficult if Ferguson makes a foray into the summer transfer market. However, Rooney feels Ferguson only has to look in-house for the best solution to his selection quandary.

“We’ve lost two key players and obviously I hope we can get a few players in,” Rooney added.

“Between them Cristiano and Carlos scored a lot of goals for us last season and the season before, but I would like to think I’m capable of filling that gap.

“I’ve said before that, if I can play in my right position, I’m capable of doing that.”

Nick Walsh writes features and football betting previews for Betfair.