The Manchester United manager made the decision to hand Rooney the captain’s armband ahead of the season opener against Swansea last season, following the departure of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra from the squad at Old Trafford.
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Former Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson has praised the “ruthless” streak in Louie van Gaal and likened it to that of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Although United may sign another striker, Van Gaal will place high demands on his captain, who has been told he will play up front, rather than in midfield this season. “When you are 19, 20 and 21 you have to grow up, act fast in high-pressure situations where the onus is on to win the games, so I think I have learned a lot”. Hopefully I can get a good run of games [in that position].
Van Gaal said, ‘I can not talk about these rumours.
Romero has been on Sampdoria’s books for the last five years but is now a free agent after running down his contract and he’s been strongly linked with a move to United in recent weeks.
“My best position, and I have always said it, is as a striker, getting into the box”, Rooney said.
“And I’m a mature player”. This is especially true following Blind’s poor performance against Club America, a team who are a cut below most Premier League sides.
“If the manager wants me to do different jobs then I will do it. It was the same last season”.
Even if Rooney gets injured before the transfer window shuts, senior sources at the club insist Van Gaal would probably refrain from dipping into the market for a striker.
“Already we have four new players in training already on tour but the biggest difference is the balance in the team”. Yes, I think so.
We came from behind that season 26 times.
United take on San Jose Earthquakes in California tonight before facing Barcelona and Paris St?Germain in San Francisco and Chicago respectively.
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“That would imply that this should happen but we’ve got a long way to go still”.
