Van Gaal Reacts To Manchester United’s 2-1 Win Over Swansea

“It is wonderful and that at the age of 30 years”, he said. “That’s why I said after this game that he has played two fantastic games in a row”, said Van Gaal.

“For me, it is more important he scores today. I hope that it is the fantastic starting point for the team, but also him”.

“I am always demanding he makes runs to the first post”. In defence, you usually expect the wingers to drop back as full-backs, but Young and Martial weren’t expected to do that as Schneiderlin dropped back as a fourth defender into the space created where a defender was pulled out of position.

Luckily for under-fire United boss Louis van Gaal, Wayne Rooney came to the rescue 13 minutes from time when he cleverly flicked Martial’s cross into the net to ensure the hosts began the year on a high.

“All the players have done their utmost best and that is very important for the manager”, he said. The Red Devils have struggled for goals this season, after Van Gaal offloaded Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez last summer. He has now scored 51 goals in 109 caps. But you can not change that any more.

The goal was Rooney’s 188th in the Premier League and means only Alan Shearer on 260 is ahead of him in the standings.

Banishing talk a week ago of resignation, his New Year’s message to the United faithful was one of improvement having been made under his regime.

“It was an unbelievable goal from Wayne”. It is unlikely he will level him, with age against him.

Suddenly United were back to square one but just when they needed him Rooney delivered. It was a great finish by Wayne. It was a striker’s instinct to get there and put it away. You have to say, of course, now we are playing much more matches but it is still a fantastic achievement. “As a team, our performance in the first half was better”. We scored two handsome goals. They could ill-afford another setback and Anthony Martial headed United in front as they scored only their 11th goal in 15 games. The first half of the match was classic United – not the vintage we’ve seen under Sir Alex – but the soporific football that has led to quips that Old Trafford is the Theatre of Dreams because everyone is sleeping! “We are not playing badly, but in our situation it has to be about results and not performances”.

Manchester United rediscovered what winning felt like as Arsenal edged Newcastle 1-0 to move two points clear atop the English Premier League on Saturday.