Wayne Rooney admits he is ready to permanently step into a new role with Manchester United.

Over the last few years, the Red Devils captain has occasionally dropped into the creative midfield role made famous by Paul Scholes but has now revealed that it will become much more of a regular occurrence as he moves into the twilight of his career.

Rooney, 30, impressed as a number eight in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over former club Everton and suggests there could be more similar performances in the centre of the pitch for United in the future.

"I've known for a few years. I have played there a few times throughout my career and I can play that position.

"I have played and watched Paul Scholes play that role for years and I always knew that one day that is where I would play, so I have tried to learn and watch what he did.

"It is still early days, but hopefully, if I keep playing there, I can develop and get better.

"We have got a lot of pace in the team now and I think I can read the game quite well - whether to go forward or stay deeper and leave the space for the other lads.

"Obviously it is down to the manager, and for the team more importantly it is the right thing to do at this moment in time."