Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has revealed that the decision by Sir Alex Ferguson to play him in the midfield was the reason behind his unhappiness at the club a few months ago.

Rooney almost came close to leaving United with the likes of Chelsea and Paris St Germain showing an interest. Chelsea also made two offers for the 27-year-old the summer, but United did not sell him. Even though Rooney did not mention Ferguson by his actual name, he revealed that the reason for his unhappiness was being played out of position.

Rooney made his name as a striker, while many think that his best position is just behind the striker. However, he was utilised on the wings or in midfield role by Ferguson due to his versatile nature. The presence of out and out attacking players like Cristiano Ronaldo also made this a norm rather than a one-off occasion. The arrival of Robin van Persie further pushed Rooney out in the wide areas.

Chelsea manager José Mourinho hinted that it was Rooney who first expressed his desire to join Chelsea, which is why the club made an offer for him. Paddy Power, your one-stop shop for Chelsea betting specials, offered evens on Rooney playing for the Blues this season, but sadly it never came to pass.

He has since been restored to the first-team as a striker and he has been in terrific form since then.

“Everyone at the club knew that [in attack] is where I wanted to play and I think that’s why I was disappointed because I got told to play in midfield and I didn’t want to. But I’d always go in and try to help the team, so I think there had to come a point where for my own career I had to be a bit selfish, really. I’m not going to go around saying I wanted to stay or I wanted to leave United,” said Rooney about his transfer plans.