Former England boss Terry Venables says playing wide left could be the ideal position for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Rooney was outstanding against Arsenal in midweek on the left of midfield and Venables, in his column for The Sun, wrote: "It may not be his favourite position or even his best position.

"But, like it or lump it, I believe it is where Rooney is most effective for United right now.

"I think Rooney is at his best in the hole just behind the main striker or two.

"He would probably prefer that too - but then so would the opposition because it makes him easier for an opposing team's holding midfielder to pick up.

"When Rooney plays on the left he becomes much more difficult to mark.

"Nobody is nailing the heels of his boots to the touchline and ordering him to stay there.

"He is undoubtedly encouraged, nay ordered, to come inside to the space beyond a full-back or midfielder's natural jurisdictions.

"Lionel Messi does it on the right for Barcelona and Steven Gerrard does it on the left for England.

"Messi, like Rooney, is such a talented player he could play anywhere."