Saturday 14 May 2016 11:03, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes Wayne Rooney has the technical ability to flourish in a deeper role for Manchester United.
The Cherries travel to Old Trafford for the final game of the Premier League season on Sunday and Rooney is likely to be selected in midfield by Louis van Gaal, with Marcus Rashford having emerged as his preferred choice up front.
Rooney has primarily featured as a striker since joining United in August 2004 and is just five goals away from equalling Bobby Charlton's record of 249 goals, but Howe believes moving back into midfield could help prolong the England captain's career.
He said: "I am a massive Rooney fan. I have been for a number of years. I don't think it matters what position he plays, I just think he is a really good footballer.
"You don't score the amount of goals he scores without being a top player.
"I have done similar with a few of my players (moved them into the midfield), so out-and-out number nines who you would have considered out-and-out goalscorers like Brett Pitman we ended up playing deeper.
"I think when you look at the attributes of Wayne Rooney, you look at his technical ability, his knowledge, his understanding and also players like that do not lose the habit of scoring goals no matter what position they play, they find areas to score goals on the pitch.
"I think it is a clever move and one that will prolong his career."
In December, goals from Junior Stanislas and Joshua King saw Bournemouth beat Manchester United 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries have failed to do the double over any side this season and Howe knows beating United on Sunday would be the perfect end to the season.
He said: "It would mean everything. For us getting the double, it is about giving a good performance and making sure mentally we are where we need to be.
"The final league game of the season, it is a big game for us as well.
"I am expecting a good atmosphere, I am expecting a team that wants to win and we need to be at our best levels."
Midfielder Harry Arter played 86 minutes of the game in December just days after the death of his daughter at birth.
Looking back at the game, Howe believes it was the turning point for their season.
He said: "I think it was a momentous week for us. I think that game will always have that link with Harry and his personal situation so my memories, when thinking of that game, go straight to him and how well the squad united.
"(His performance) was incredible.
"It was a really emotional night before the game as well as afterwards and it just goes to show how well we support each other."
