Man United manager Luis Van Gaal has brushed off claims from Wayne Rooney that the Red Devils are now playing with more freedom. The Red Devils captain had earlier revealed that his teammates were enjoying greater freedom on the pitch after their FA Cup win over Derby County. His teammate Jesse Lingard echoed Rooney’s sentiments after their 3-0 win over Stoke City in the Premier League last Tuesday.
However, the Dutch tactician did not seem impressed by the comments made by the two players, especially the team captain. He explained that nothing much had changed in Man United’s playing style, but the only difference was the two players had finally rediscovered their form and confidence.
According to The Telegraph, the 64-year-old said:
''I’m not agreeing with the remark of Wayne Rooney when he said that because it is only that they have more confidence.''
“And it is especially so with Wayne Rooney, who is saying that because he has scored seven goals (in seven games). He can say that he is playing with more freedom because he has more confidence.''
“But you want to write in your paper that it’s because he gets another training session in another style, because Louis van Gaal gives more freedom – no, it is still the same.''
He added:
“We train still the same way. It is not because of the change of attitude of Mr Louis van Gaal or another way of training. No. I’m sorry to say that. We are always working hard and very professionally in the philosophy of Louis van Gaal.''
“And that is also for Jesse Lingard.”
The Dutch tactician also added that midfielder Juan Mata’s improved performance at the number 10 role was mainly because, just like Rooney and Lingard, the Spaniard had also rediscovered his form. This comes at a time when many fans and pundits had questioned Van Gaal’s decision to play the former Chelsea man along the flanks, rather than handing him the attacking role in midfield. In his defence, the former Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona tactician responded:
“I have already played Mata in the same role. Maybe you remember that. I’m not changing him from that role, he has changed himself because at that time he wasn’t good enough. That is the reason.''
“It is not the trainer-coach or the manager, but when he is playing like he has played now he shall play at number 10.”
The tough-talking tactician is expected to rally his troops for a trip to the Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face Chelsea in their Premier League fixture.
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