Wayne Rooney: 'My best position - and I have always said it - is as a striker'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has told talismanic star Wayne Rooney that he is his first-choice striker for the upcoming Premier League season, according to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson.

Despite playing in a deeper position last year - Van Gaal's first at the United helm - Rooney has experienced success as a striker. He played in the 10 hole in the 2009-10 and 2011-12 seasons, scoring 34 goal in all competitions in each.

Regardless of where Rooney plays, one thing he won't be short of is confidence.

"I have no doubts in myself. I have no doubts that I can do that again and I am ready to take on that mantle again and be the one who gets the goals for this team."

Rooney continued: "I am ready for the season. I hope to score 20 or more goals again. If I am playing as a striker then I will be disappointed if I cannot do that again. I am excited - it is a big season for us. We have the quality to make sure we get back into the Champions League."

For all the money United is spending this summer on the likes of Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, the team is short in the striker department after the departures of Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce and Radamel Falcao to Chelsea, with only Rooney and youngster James Wilson in the senior ranks.