Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is happy playing skipper Wayne Rooney in midfield.

Rooney impressed in the role for victory over Liverpool.

Asked if the captain would take up that deeper position more often in future, van Gaal replied: "It is dependable on how the balance in the team is. I need balance in the team. We have won six times in a row and that is because of the balance, I think.

"I don't know if I shall use him always because it is also dependable on the form of the strikers, because he is a very good striker.

"I can use him in different positions and I like that because I like multifunctional players. I normally buy more multifunctional players than specialist."