Manchester United legend Paul Ince blasts Jose Mourinho’s decision to play Wayne Rooney in midfield ahead of derby clash with Man City

PLAYING Wayne Rooney in midfield is "an insult" according to former Manchester United captain Paul Ince.

Rooney has started the season playing deeper under Jose Mourinho, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic occupying the lone striker role.

And while featuring for England in the 1-0 World Cup Qualifying win against Slovakia he was often seen patrolling as a defensive midfielder as he looked to break up the play.

This has re-ignited the debate once more as to Rooney's best position, and former Old Trafford favourite Ince has not held back with his thoughts.

Speaking on the , Ince said: "I think it’s an insult to Rooney playing him in midfield.

"He is the greatest goal scorer for England and he’s only three goals shy of being the greatest goal scorer for Manchester United - so why do you want to play him anywhere else?"

Ince, who was nicknamed "The Guv'nor" for his combative approach in the middle of the park, then questioned whether Rooney had the required skills to compete against the best in midfield.

He added: "He has always been a clever player, but midfield is not about getting the ball and spraying it 40 yards out wide with a Hollywood pass.

"You have got to track people, you have got to tackle and you have got to win the battles in there.

"Rooney hasn’t got the mentality of a centre midfield player to go up against the likes of Didi Hamann or myself. We would simply overrun him."

Ince was speaking to Paddy Power along with Hamann as they look ahead towards this weekend's Manchester derby between City and United.