Louis van Gaal perhaps had RvP in mind for captaincy when he took the job at Manchester United manager in the summer. The two Dutchmen had worked so well together at international level and Van Persie already had the respect of the Old Trafford dressing room.
But such was the impression made on him by Wayne Rooney in pre-season that Van Gaal knew what he had to do. He’s quoted on Eurosport as saying:
“I was surprised in The United States of America and after that I decided to make him my captain and I had until now not one day that I regret that.”
A ringing endorsement of a player who’s attitude and love of the game is mirrored by The Dutchman.
Rooney missed the last game against Stoke as he nursed a knock from the Hull match but the Manchester United boss confirmed that the big man will be back for the tricky trip to Southampton.
A good weekend, results wise, in The Premier League for Manchester United means that a win will cut the gap to leaders Chelsea to 8 points. United were 13 points off the pace after 10 games but the recent run has given them new hope as Louis van Gaal’s methods appear to be working.
A defeat of Southampton will really set tongues wagging.
Let’s see some recent Rooney goals.
