Louis van Gaal has persisted with playing Wayne Rooney in the centre of midfield when Ander Herrera is clearly the better option for this position.

With Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao starting up front, Van Gaal must believe he has no choice but to play Rooney in midfield, but as Saturday’s 3-1 over Leicester proved, the United and English captain would be better used as a striker. His passing was fairly hit and miss but as the captain, Van Gaal wants to keep him in the starting team.

Herrera, who has mostly done well when he has been played, says he is ready to play whenever he is called upon.

When the manager wants me to help the team I am going to be ready, of course. I am at Manchester United and we have a very good squad with very good players and it is not easy but of course I am going to work hard. I’m going to be ready always for the team because everyone wants to play the next season in the Champions League and of course I want to play.