Rooney says 'being made to play in midfield' caused rift with Alex Ferguson

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has blamed former manager Alex Ferguson's decision to play him in midfield last season for their fall-out.

According to the Mirror, breaking his silence over the issues that saw him question his future at champions United, Rooney believes boss Fergie's selection policy was the key factor in his loss of form.

Rooney, who declined to mention the former Old Trafford manager by name, admitted he was being selfish in wanting to play as a striker in tandem with Robin van Persie, but said that he knew that last year wasn't his best season, according to the report.

Rooney said that there were times when he was playing in different positions and he felt that he did not really get the run of consistent games up front.

He also said that he has had no problem in the past playing out of position, but he felt that he deserved the right to play in his position and that was not happening.

Rooney insisted he is now happy, without making any vows of longer-term fidelity to the Old Trafford club, the report said.