Wayne Rooney hopes Manchester United abandon the diamond system to go with wingers today at Manchester City. Rooney, who has been used in a variety of roles and looked an uncomfortable right winger with a shadow squad in the Champions League defeat by Cluj on Wednesday, believes they should revert to type.

The England man, who would ­clearly prefer to operate behind ­Manchester derby debutant Robin van Persie, said: "It's for the manager to say whether we'll be more positive this time.

"I think our strength is getting ­wingers on the pitch, getting the ball out wide, attacking and getting ­crosses into the box.

"That's obviously the way Man ­United have played for years, so I think that's one of our strengths.

"Of course, they have a strong ­central midfield, but they also leave gaps out wide, so I'm sure Sir Alex and Roberto Mancini will be looking at different things and ways they can capitalise on each team's weakness.

"I think I've played every position on the field this season. I'm enjoying it and it's a different step for me.

"As a footballer I love doing it so, who knows? I'll see where I am on Sunday."