Wayne Rooney: Man Utd striker set for midfield job against Chelsea

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says he may play striker Wayne Rooney in midfield at Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League as Michael Carrick and Daley Blind are injured.

Rooney featured in midfield earlier in the season.

"Blind and Carrick could play in the holding midfield position," said Van Gaal.

"I don't have another option or I have to play Wayne Rooney again in that position so I have to puzzle a lot."

Blind has not recovered from an ankle injury he suffered in the win over Manchester City last Sunday, while Carrick has not overcome the calf problem he sustained in the same game.

Defenders Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans are also sidelined, although Van Gaal has replacements in Paddy McNair or Tyler Blackett to play alongside Chris Smalling.

"It's the worst scenario," said Van Gaal. "But other players can take profit."

However, unless Van Gaal finds a solution to his midfield problems Rooney may have to fill in and that could mean a recall for striker Robin van Persie, who has been out for nearly two months with an ankle injury.

"This is the first week he's [Van Persie] trained with the first team, but maybe we have to think about him," added Van Gaal.

Title fight 'not logical'

United are eight points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have played a game less, and Van Gaal does not believe it is realistic that his side can challenge for the title.

"It is possible, but it is not logical," Van Gaal, whose team have six league games remaining.

"I believe in facts and the fact is we are behind Chelsea.

"All right we have to play against them, so does Arsenal so we can lay pressure on Chelsea's shoulders [on Saturday], that's true and then you never know.

"You have seen that also in previous Premier League seasons so it is always possible, but it is not logical.