The former Chelsea manager also admitted that Ryan Giggs, who ended his 29-year association with United last week, took a ‘brave’ decision to sever his ties with the club in order to pursue a career in management.
But with Mourinho insisting that his target is to restore United to title-winning contention and Champions League football, the Portuguese made it clear that Rooney – who is currently four goals from equalling Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time club goalscoring record – will not be encouraged to take on the midfield role which he performed for England during their disastrous Euro 2016 campaign.
“In football, there are many jobs,” Mourinho said. “There are many jobs on the field. The one that is more difficult to find is the guy who has put the ball on the net.
“The players change during the years their qualities, their characteristics, and it is normal a player at their age (Rooney is 30) change a bit.
“But there is something that will never change which is the natural appetite to put the ball in the net.
“Maybe he is not a striker, not a No. 9 anymore, but for me he will never be a No. 6, playing 50 metres from the goal.
“You can tell me his pass is amazing but my pass is also amazing without pressure. To be there and put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing.
“For me he will be a 9, a 10, a nine and a half but never a 6 or an 8.”
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