Van Gaal says no Man United player is guaranteed a starting place

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hit out at critics of team captain Wayne Rooney during his press conference ahead of the Red Devils’ Champions League clash with Club Brugge.

That leaves Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick and Adnan Januzaj, a late substitute at the Allianz Arena, who came in from the cold to score the victor at Villa after disappearing from view in Van Gaal’s first season.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal Speaking about the match tomorrow night, Van Gaal says that the pressure is on: “There is a lot of pressure because our aim and goal is to reach the Champions League“.

“I think all the media has written that for one year and advised me I have to put him (Rooney) in the striker’s position so it is very incredible that after two matches you are doubting your own opinion”.

“But we had a lot of unnecessary ball losses and then we were not playing what I expect of my team to play“.

“We also have Chicharito, [James] Wilson, so I don’t think we lack strikers”.

Villa gave home debuts to no fewer than six players, while new signing Adama Traore watched from the stands after completing his move from Barcelona, but despite strong starts to each half, last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists struggled to create chances.

Januzaj struck after 29 minutes to score his first goal since April 2014 and hand United back-to-back victories following their opening day win over Tottenham.

However, the Dutchman was not too pleased with the way Januzaj and Memphis lost possession of the ball.

Club Brugge have yet to win in 11 games in England (D2 L9).

He said: “It was something we talked about, starting afresh for the away games, but it’s a good start“.

The Dutch winger was too eager to impress with a goal in the match and Van Gaal suggested that it’s a big step for the youngster so he will take some time to settle in Premier League. “The result gives our squad confidence and I changed my line-up and it didn’t matter”.

“We don’t want to even contemplate not going through, it’s not in our heads and we shouldn’t be thinking that negatively either”, he said.

The Germany global won the Champions League two years ago with Bayern Munich, and is determined to ensure his first experience with United does not end in disaster.