Rooney, RVP and Falcao can play together, says Saha

Louis Saha insists there is room for Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in the same team at Manchester United .

Falcao had to settle for a place on the bench against QPR on Sunday as Rooney and Van Persie were paired up front.

But Saha, who spent four years at United from 2004 to 2008, believes all three can be accommodated in the same XI.

But the Frenchman says Rooney and Van Persie, in particular, might have to adapt to make room for newcomer Falcao.

Saha said: "They can play together, definitely. Van Persie and Rooney are players who can adapt. They are more versatile. They can play on the wings or as a three up front.

"They are able to maintain the pressure higher on the field and with Falcao as a finisher inside the box. I think there are more questions at the back and in midfield."

Saha is one of only five players to wear United's No.9 shirt in the Premier League, alongside Brian McClair, Andy Cole, Dimitar Berbatov and Falcao.

He knows better than most about the pressure that comes with it. And he says the Colombian will be judged purely on goals.

Saha said: "I'm impressed by the signing. I'm impressed with the player, obviously. He's going to bring that skill of being able to put the ball in the net.

"Since Van Nistelrooy, I think they've missed that little touch. It's a very good signing.

"It's difficult to be United's No.9. There is a pressure to do your job and your job is to score goals and bring success to the club. That's your responsibility.

"In my head I was not a proper No.9, but the main target at a club like that is always to score goals."

Angel Di Maria and Falcao have added competition to an already packed forward line that also includes Rooney, Van Persie, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj.

It seems almost impossible for Louis van Gaal to fit them all into the same team. And that means the Dutchman will likely have to leave at least one big name on the bench.

Rooney made a slow start to the season, but scored against QPR at the weekend to remind everyone he is still one of United's key men.

Saha believes the 28-year-old was the obvious choice as club captain following the departure of Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan.

And he says Rooney has been given the opportunity to improve, with the added pressure on his place from Di Maria and Falcao.

Saha, a former team-mate of Rooney, said: "Wazza fits the bill as captain because he knows exactly what is important for the club. He's always been committed on the field and I think the other players will see him as a proper leader.

"He always worked hard and would play in any position on the field. The work rate is always an indication of how you like to play for your club, but even when he had some issues he always gave 100 per cent. He would break his legs for his team mates. This is more important than talking.

"He's matured but he has a never really improved. It's difficult for a player like him, who already had that quality when he was 18, to go a step further.

"Cristiano improved every year and for Wazza that's the standard. It's obvious that Wazza has got so much to give to the club. And maybe now he can improve, around the new players, and find a different motivation."