Premier League: Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney solves Manchester United midfield problem

Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney has improved Manchester United in midfield and "can play in every position".

In the second half of Wednesday night's 3-1 Premier League home win over Burnley, the England captain played as a defensive midfielder in a diamond formation after Daley Blind was substituted following a clash of heads.

Rooney moved to a sitting role behind Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria and van Gaal thinks his team is more effective with Rooney in midfield.

"I have to look for the better balance and I think until now because of Rooney, we have a better balance in midfield," said the Dutchman.

"I was very pleased how he replaced Daley Blind in the number six position.

For Jones, we have to wait... Maybe it's a knee problem so it's not good.

"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."

Van Gaal played down the seriousness of Blind’s head injury but expressed concern for Phil Jones, who was replaced by Chris Smalling on five minutes after hurting his knee.

"Blind has a headache but I don't think he is out of the game on Monday (in the FA Cup against Preston North End)," he told MUTV.

"I think, for Jones, we have to wait. I think it shall be difficult as he was very disappointed when I spoke with him. Maybe it's a knee problem so it's not good."