Louis van Gaal has described Wayne Rooney as "multipurpose" after switching him to a midfield role with Manchester United this season.

The Red Devils captain has often started behind the front line this season, but has still scored eight goals in the Premier League so far this campaign.

Ahead of this afternoon's match against West Ham United, Van Gaal told reporters: "I don't think that he has ever complained about where he has to play. I also think he likes playing in midfield because he's on the ball more often, so he's enjoying it.

"Not many players can play in so many positions like Rooney because he is a multipurpose player. I look at the qualities of the players and where the player can perform better for himself because then he has a major contribution for the team.

"I like multipurpose players because then you can vary your team more and you are more unpredictable for your opponent because you are changing the players' positions. That's why I like that, that's why I had a team at Ajax that the opponent didn't know anymore."

United can climb back up to third in the table with a win at Upton Park.