Van Gaal: Rooney not ‘automatically’ back

Sarah Winterburn

Louis van Gaal claims that Wayne Rooney will not walk back into Manchester United’s side after they beat Watford 2-1 in his absence.

Rooney has not been left out of a single starting line-up by the Dutchman when he has been available, so it seems highly unlikely that his captain will not return to his starting XI against PSV Eindhoven and then Leicester.

Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard faced the Hornets as United’s nominal strike pairing on Saturday, with the former particularly impressive in scoring a goal; Van Gaal played a 4-2-2-2 formation that was fluid in the absence of Rooney.

“No, not automatically,” Van Gaal said when asked if Rooney will return immediately to face PSV. “I compare always players with each other and I take into account how fit they are and how fit they show it on the training sessions.

“That is why (Marouane) Fellaini and Rooney and (Anthony) Martial has to show it on the training ground their fitness and then I have to compare.”

Van Gaal certainly hinted that one good game from Depay would not see him change his mind on the Dutchman.

“I am a coach that always demands not only one match but several matches,” said Van Gaal.

“It is always the same procedure. I compare players and the ones I think are best in our game plan, they shall play.”