Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are poised to play on the pitch once again in the very near future – but not for Manchester United…or at least not in the way the fans at Old Trafford would hope.
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Despite Rooney’s struggles United are fourth in the Premier League and just two points off leaders City and Anderson believes they must win a trophy.
Expressing his dissatisfaction van Gaal reportedly has told his players, “I’m disappointed, I have told my players that”.
Wayne Rooney and a few of his current and former Manchester United team-mates put a frustrating derby stalemate to one side to celebrate his birthday on Sunday night.
“They [City] have the right to play compact and they have done it. They have a fantastic team on the counter and we had to defend against that as well in a very professional way”.
‘You get to an age and you can’t play the game you once used to, you can’t cover the ground you used to.
Manchester United and Manchester city played out a draw in the first Manchester derby of the season.
United’s Dutch manager has become growingly frustrated with the constant media attention surrounding his captains performances, Van Gaal was quick to vent his disapproval when asked by Rooney’s latest contribution.
“If you’re going through a bad time at a big club, whether it is Wayne Rooney or Diego Costa, you are always going to get stick. They are also disappointed, like me, because you have to win against these kind of teams, also for the fans, but the way we have played gives hope for the future”.
The World Cup victor also talked about why Manchester United should consider playing a striker other than the ex-Everton player.
Martial has scored five goals since joining the Red Devils, while Depay has picked up four goals and four assists – both players signed for the Old Trafford club at the beginning of this season.
The United manager was pleased to see second-half substitute Lingard beat Hart with a lob but cursed his luck after the ball hit the bar and bounced to safety.
‘I respect and like Van Gaal because he is honest and direct, and I like to deal with people like that, but it can be hard to listen to his harsh criticism at times.
Out of form Rooney needs to drop deeper, says Xavi.
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‘But if you do, it will ultimately improve you’.
