Rooney scored United’s final goal in a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford that closed the gap on Arsenal, fourth in the English Premier League, to five points.
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Van Gaal took his first chance to welcome Pep Guardiola, who played under him at Barcelona, after it was revealed he will take over at rivals Manchester City next summer.
But Jesse Lingard’s 14th-minute header eased the tension on Tuesday and United went on to score a superb second through Anthony Martial before the break and a third courtesy of captain Wayne Rooney in the second half.
While arguably not a flawless fit with United’s heritage and traditions, the former Chelsea boss is the fans’ preferred choice to replace Van Gaal, with some even mocking up scarves to display their support for his potential appointment. “We had fantastic finishing of team goals, building up from the back, which is what I like to see”.
“Everybody has forgotten he was a substitute against Stoke City away [when United lost 2-0 in December 2015]”.
“But I’m also aware that its important and a good thing if your coach wants you to stay and counts on me”.
And Van Gaal was pleased with his side’s exuberant attack, adding: “I’m always pleased when youngsters are doing that and showing themselves”.
And I have to say I’m going to backtrack on my comments last week about Jose Mourinho not being the man for Manchester United.
“You have to prove it every game and in every training session, and if you do you play”.
“The competition is still not finished”, Van Gaal told reporters on Friday.
“It’s hard, but we have to concentrate on the game”, said Lingard when reminded of supporter unrest during the 1-0 defeat to Southampton 11 days ago.
Guardiola played under Van Gaal during their time together at Barcelona and the Dutchman made the former midfielder his captain at the Camp Nou stadium.
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“You see nearly every weekend there is a surprise result in the league and a big team loses”.
