Louis van Gaal Extremely happy with Rooney Performance
United manager Louis van Gaal says that striker Wayne Rooney has exceeded his expectations since his arrival at the club.
Rooney was recently made the captain by the Dutchman ahead of Robin van Persie with whom he shares a great relationship. Even though Rooney has had a stop and start season so far due to injuries and suspension, Van Gaal believes that the former Everton man has done exceedingly well. The 29-year-old has scored five goals in 10 Premier League matches this season, which is not close to the record of areas like Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero.
However, his goals have helped United get important victories against teams like Arsenal and West Ham.
Further, van Gaal has also been able to take advantage of his versatility. At a time when the club has been going through an injury crisis, the ability of players to play in a number of positions comes as a boon. Rooney has been utilised as a striker, midfielder, and winger this campaign. Due to his selfless nature, he has just got on with the job without complaining about the position. Rooney came close to leaving United last summer after hinting at a desire to play for Chelsea. The move never materialised and Rooney signed a new long-term contract.
“He is in a great moment. I think he shall always play with me, but that’s also difficult to say because when he is in a bad moment then maybe you can be convinced to change him. But he is my captain now, because he is [the] example. I have the impression that he lives for football, and that he likes that he is captain. He was, in my eyes, an example in training. From the first day he was not the Wayne Rooney what people have said about him,” said Van Gaal.