The Manchester United boss has defended his
captain, saying he still leads by example despite his
recent lack of goals
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended
Wayne Rooney in the wake of criticism over the club
captain's current form.
Rooney has scored just one goal in his last seven
appearances in all competitions, leading to questions
regarding his best position.
But Van Gaal says he is still confident in the 30-year-old.
"You can also discuss why other clubs are not scoring but it
is always Wayne Rooney," Van Gaal told reporters. "Because
Wayne is a fantastic player the expectation is much higher
than another player in another club, I can imagine that. But
you have to give players time to come back in a certain
shape and that is what we are doing.
"I have confidence in this player but he is also more than
only scoring goals. He is our captain, but also an example
for the whole team. That is why he has more credits than
any other player and I have explained that already to the
group a year and a half ago.
"I have still confidence in Wayne Rooney."
When asked if he has considered resting his captain, as
suggested by former England striker Alan Shearer on
Monday, Van Gaal admitted it is a possibility but only if it is
right for the player himself.
"Yes, but not only for Wayne, I have done that with all my
players. For example, Paddy McNair was a week in Ireland
last week. When we think it is better, then we do that it is
not an issue for me.
"Even when I was a young coach I did that for Jari Litmanen.
He had also problems in the months of November and
December because the Finnish competition was like that. I
know that so I sent him on holidays.
"It is not a big issue for me, but it is more a big issue for the
players. They are not so easy to convince."
United go into their Champions League group B clash with
CSKA Moscow on Tuesday in a poor run of form, having
failed to score in 325 minutes in all competitions and critics
circling due to the team's style of play.
However, Van Gaal was his usual forthright self when asked
whether he believes his side's current approach is in
keeping with the club's traditions.
"I have seen periods and tendencies in Manchester United
like in other clubs. It was not always a big theatre of
dreams. I’m sorry to say that, but it’s logical also. Now we
are making – hopefully – history but it takes time, but I
have said that before and I cannot repeat myself or it will be
'Van Gaal asks for time again!' No.
"I can remind you that you were saying defending is our
problem, and I said 'No, defensive organisation starts in
attack.' Now we are the best defenders in the Premier
League and you say we cannot attack. No, it is not true. It
is only a moment in the process. We have stood first in the
Premier League, now we have a bad period because football
is scoring goals. Football is not a process, football is not
creating chances. Football is scoring goals.
"We have to improve that and we dealing with that, but I
hope we will score against CSKA Moscow. But I know it will
be very difficult because they are very organised and they
will play more defensively. But still we will try to score
goals."
