Van Gaal: I still have confidence in Rooney
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."
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