Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has saluted the leadership of Wayne Rooney as he prepares to reward the Red Devils captain by playing him in his preferred role of centre-forward.
Rooney was handed the captain’s armband by van Gaal last August during his first season in charge at Old Trafford, and the England striker’s performance in the role made a lasting impression on the Dutchman.
However van Gaal plans to give Rooney an opportunity to nail down his favoured starting position as an out-and-out centre-forward. Rooney, who led the line in a 4-2-3-1 formation for 45 minutes against Club America in Seattle on Friday, is relishing the chance to stake a claim to the striker’s role.
After United play San Jose on Tuesday they face a further game against Barcelona on Saturday before wrapping up their tour against Paris Saint Germain in Chicago.
AUTHOR: LAURA NAYERE