Hope not lost as Rooney Says United Under Van Gaal Will Be a Success

Wayne Rooney is convinced the future is bright at Manchester United despite their fluctuating form so far in coach Louis van Gaal’s maiden season.

 

United allowed a 3-1 half-time lead against Leicester City slip away to lose 5-3 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

The Old Trafford club are currently ranked 12th in the Premier League table, having earned five points from their first five matches and are already 8 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Rooney, who was named captain by the Dutch boss in the summer, wrote on his Facebook page: “There seems to be a lot of people who have written us off because of Sunday’s result but I don’t see it that way.

“When I look around our dressing room and see the quality we have and the manager’s unbelievable attention to detail I have no doubts this team will be successful.”

There have been huge expectations of an improved performance after last season’s seventh-placed finish, following the signing of talents such as Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera.

But the loss to the ‘Foxes’ has once more exposed the gap between a sumptuous forward line and a weak defence.

Neville calls for more big spending

Earlier, former United defender Phil Neville predicted this summer’s big spending would need to be repeated in future transfer windows before the club can again be seen as title contenders.

United have struggled in central defence this season as Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans battle for form and fitness and youngster Tyler Blackett seeks to establish himself. And Neville believes that is the biggest issue still to be addressed.

“I know United have spent £150 million,” Neville told BBC Radio 5 live. “I think there’s another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed – maybe £100 million – before they can even think about winning the title.

“There are still key positions in the team that need filling. I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area. Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too. There were no world-class centre-backs out there (this summer). I think that’s why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender.”

However, he backed England internationals Jones and Smalling to eventually prove their worth to the club. “I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well,” Neville said. “They’ve bought of a lot of foreign players, you don’t get rid of your English spine.”