Rooney’s status as United and England’s main man is often questioned – but once again he proved he remains, along with the outstanding De Gea, one of Van Gaal’s most crucial players.
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Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has insisted that his side can win the Premier League title after beating fierce rivals Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield.
But he returned to the starting XI for the 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea two days later, winning plaudits for his performance, and has scored five goals in four games in 2016.
“Our competitors (for the title) have lost points”, said Van Gaal, whose side climbed one place to fifth.
“It (the match) is important for van Gaal”. United have been very bad for the majority of the campaign and they were lucky to leave Anfield with three points on Sunday.
“I think that’s why he is our goalkeeper. In the first half we didn’t keep the ball and we have survived the first half”, Van Gaal told Sky Sports News. In doing so, he became the highest-scoring player in Premier League history, with 176 goals in 357 games one goal ahead of former legendary Arsenal player, the French Thierry Henry.
Jürgen Klopp’s first taste of the famous Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry ended in disappointment with his team falling 1-0. They deserved their goal based on Rooney’s excellent finish but it wasn’t the result of constant pressure. “They have got two convincing wins in the last two games so we must be careful”.
While seven points still separate them from league leaders Arsenal, the Northern Irishman feels if the Red Devils can put together a good run of form in the second half of the season, then there is no reason why they can’t win the league this year.
“I don’t know how many saves he did but I think it was too much”, the boss said. It was a good result for a side that is working hard to stay in the race for Champions League qualification.
“This game will give a huge boost to the players, the fans and to everyone connected with Manchester United – and we have to continue, of course”.
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Liverpool had chances to make the breakthrough throughout the north-west derby but United goalkeeper David De Gea denied Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana. Our fans deserve a special mention, they were incredible and made themselves heard at every minute, supporting us through the entire game. “That is why he is playing for Manchester United”. Thankfully it went in and won us the game.
