Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has said that he would be willing to drop into midfield if he lost his sharpness.

The England international enjoyed a brief stint in the middle of the park last season as United found themselves missing several players.

Despite being an integral part of the attack for club and country, the 26-year-old would be open to move into the centre of midfield later on in his career.

"I did my bit dropping into a central midfield role when the team got hit by injuries last season," Rooney told The Mirror. "The manager thinks I can do a job there and, with the likes of Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher all missing games, he asked me to help out.

"When I get stuck into the action as a central playmaker, I love it. I get more of the ball, I'm involved loads and, after one game, I even think about playing there permanently, but only later in my career.

"Why? Well, in midfield I don't have to be as sharp as a forward. Once I feel that I haven't got the sharpness needed to get away from defenders, I'll probably drop back into midfield for a couple of seasons so I can still influence the game. In my heart I'd prefer it if I was playing up front, because I can still do a lot of damage, but the sacrifices don't bother me."

Rooney will miss England's opening World Cup qualifying matches through injury.