The Dutchman is clearly irked by the England international's lack of goals and will opt to start loan signing Radamel Falcao in his position.

Preference for Falcao would see Rooney occupy a midfield role - pushing £37.1m signing Juan Mata completely out of the starting eleven.

The manager said: "Rooney can play in more positions, he’s a multi-functional player and I have tried him in a striker’s position. He’s played well but not spectacular and Falcao is a striker and I think he can do it better."

Van Gaal's sentiments are indicative of his no-nonsense approach to life as a Premier League manager, and fortunately for him - Rooney agrees. 

Rooney said: "I’m happy to play out wide - I can do a job there and I can do a job up front. It depends on the situation of each game and what the manager wants me to do.

"I’m not the player I was – I feel I’ve progressed my game.

“So I agree with the people who say my game has changed. I [did] too much running when I was younger and then didn’t have the energy to get myself into goalscoring positions in the box."