Van Gaal Is Proud Of Rooney As United Captain

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney’s performances this season have vindicated his choice to make the 29-year-old club captain.

Van Gaal elected Rooney to the role last August and he has led by example throughout the 2014/15 campaign, both on and off the field.

For the boss, Rooney’s commitment to the cause and willing adaptability are qualities that mark him out as a strong skipper.

"He's a very good captain, I am very proud," van Gaal said. "I don't have any disappointment this year with him. He's great in the dressing room and an example on the training pitch.

"When we play a match he shall always fight until the end. He has played a lot of positions for me, without complaining.

"That's also what I like in Ashley Young, who has also played a lot of positions at a high level. I like multi-functional players as they offer you more that the team needs than other players.

"I think I have made a very good decision [making Rooney captain] and you can also see in the way we have played. I think that we have fought 99% of our matches until the end. The team spirit was great."