Wayne Rooney wants to become a better multi-faceted player under Louis van Gaal. Michael Steele/Getty Images

Wayne Rooney has spoken of his determination to improve as a midfielder after being given a new role by Louis van Gaal.

The Manchester United captain spent the vast majority of the first 12 years of his career operating as a striker but was pushed into a deeper position by Van Gaal.

And Rooney, 29, is enjoying the freedom to score goals he still has but is conscious of the need to balance his attacking instincts with the task of protecting the defence.

"It is different," he told MUTV. "It is a role which the manager gives me licence to get forward as well and you have to make sure your defensive duties are right because it is an important position on the pitch so I have done the best I can. Hopefully I can keep doing that and keep learning."