UK Football

By Neil Maidment

LONDON, July 23 (Reuters) - Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney's patchy form is a result of United's tactics according to his manager Alex Ferguson.

"I have to take a bit of responsibility for it," Ferguson was quoted as saying in The Times on Wednesday.

In recent campaigns United have often played Rooney out of position to accommodate the influential Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Ferguson's tactics are largely responsible for the meteoric rise of Ronaldo, Rooney's lack of opportunity to play through the middle has effected his form.

"I think his best position is through the middle, either a front role or tucking in just behind," Ferguson added.

"He's sacrificed himself and never complained about it, which says a lot for the lad. He will score goals... We need to define his role better."

Rooney, 22, signed from Everton for 26 million pounds in 2004 and he has gone on to score 77 goals, 18 of those coming last season.

"Some players know what their best position is and they don't want to challenge themselves in any other one, but Wayne would play centre half (if he was asked to)."

Rooney's chance to secure a more central role may come sooner rather than later as Ferguson will be without Real Madrid target Ronaldo for at least three months as the Portuguese 23-year-old recovers from ankle surgery.

"We signed Wayne for his potential... It's for the long view. In a few years' time we will be saying that's really great business."