Alex Ferguson believes the arrival of flying Serbian winger Zoran Tosic will end Wayne Rooney’s days as a makeshift wide-man.
Rooney has frequently found himself shunted into the winger’s role as Ferguson looks to bring more balance to his Manchester United side.
But the Scot has told Rooney to operate in a more advanced role this term, a move that has brought more consistency from the England star.
And Tosic’s capture from Partizan Belgrade ensures United have sufficient strength in depth on the wings to leave Rooney free to cause more damage in central areas.
“There is no harm in having three or four wide players given the pace of our game,” said Ferguson.
“We don’t consider Ryan (Giggs) a wide player now, which leaves us with Park Ji-sung, Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We have tried Wayne Rooney there and we played Darren Fletcher wide right. But in terms of natural width Zoran is a natural.”