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Wayne Rooney has been told by Xavi to play deeper to prolong his Manchester United career.

Rooney turned 30 on Saturday and the former Barcelona great believes the United and England captain no longer has the legs to lead the attack.

The Spanish maestro claims Rooney could emulate him by playing at the top level until his mid-30s if he drops back into midfield.

"Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it's time for him to adapt," said the Barcelona legend.

"You get to an age and you can't play the game you once used to, you can't cover the ground you used to.

(Image: Getty)

"But intelligent players adapt and there's no doubting Rooney has a very good footballing brain.

"Maybe it's time for a new striker at Manchester United, who can run for 90 minutes, but Rooney would be very dangerous in a deeper role.

"He has the vision and the passing range to play that role very well.

If he can adapt, there's no reason why he can't play at the top level for another five or six seasons.

"But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can't do what it used to be able to do."

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Rooney's form has been inconsistent this season and Xavi warned him he is not too big to be dropped by Van Gaal.

Xavi, 35, knows from his time under Van Gaal at Barcelona that the United boss is not scared to axe star players.

"Wayne Rooney is a player I have admired for a long time," said Xavi, who joined Qatari club Al Sadd in the summer. "He is an extraordinary player with extraordinary capabilities.

"Van Gaal does not respect names though. It doesn't matter if you are the best player in the world, if he wants to drop you from the team, then he will drop you from the team.

"I respect and like Van Gaal because he is honest and direct, and I like to deal with people like that, but it can be hard to listen to his harsh criticism at times. But if you do, it will ultimately improve you."

(Image: John Peters)

Van Gaal is expected to make changes for Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash with Middlesbrough and Andreas Pereira hopes for another chance to impress after scoring on his full debut against Ipswich in the last round.

The teenage Brazilian midfielder netted with an excellent free-kick and said: "I hope I get another opportunity.

"I hope I can show the manager and impress everyone in the stadium, and my team-mates."

"It's good to work with the manager here. He'll bring you into the team if you do well and train well. I trust him and it's a nice feeling to work with someone who will give you an opportunity."