Rooney can be a master marksman

WAYNE Rooney has the guile and finishing power to become an out-and-out striker for Manchester United.

The Reds star is viewed by many as a creator of goals rather than a prolific scorer, but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced his role up front could change given time.

After being introduced into the United team 18 minutes from the end of yesterday’s Club World Cup semi-final against Gamba Osaka, the England star scored with virtually his first touch.

He followed up with a second goal and although Gamba hit back with two late strikes, United secured a 5-3 victory and a place in Sunday’s final against LDU Quito.

United’s other goals came from Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher, but it was Rooney whom Ferguson singled out for special praise.

"I think Wayne can be a number nine," said Ferguson. "We are trying to develop him that way. We have tried to play him there for most of the season.

"His movement, strength and penetration are very good. For the third goal that really killed them he made two runs, across and back and across and behind. They were really clever.

"It marks out the quality he can give you in that position and he will improve from there."

Ferguson has vowed to make changes for the Quito encounter – the normal Europe versus South America clash to decide the world number one.

It will be the last game Patrice Evra is eligible for until January 11, following the four–match ban imposed on him by the FA for violent conduct in the post–match fracas at Chelsea last season.