Speaking ahead of Manchester Uniteda s Champions League play off tie against Club Brugge, manager Louis Van Gaal reaffirmed his faith in his captain but at the same time suggested that Wayne Rooney wasn’t the only player available to play in the strikera s position. The manager however, refused to answer questions on David De Geaa s availability, thus hinting that the Spaniard would continue to be exiled till the end of the transfer window.
Manchester United will need to overcome Club Brugge if they hope to feature in the Champions League after a year long hiatus. However, an unconvincing start to the English Premier League has raised questions regarding Manchester Uniteda s aspirations this year. Wayne Rooney has particularly come under the scanner for failing to deliver despite his promotion to the strikera s position this season.
Wayne Rooney isna t the only option
While backing his captain to succeed in the strikera s role this season, Louis Van Gaal made it clear that his squad did not lack attacking options. As reported by Mirror, Van Gaal called upon the likes of Adnan Januzaj, Chicharito and James Wilson in order to highlight the availability of multiple attacking options.
a I have always confidence in my players, but we dona t have only Wayne Rooney in the strikera s position.a
a We have Adnan Januzaj, he played in the strikera s position in the USA on tour. I have given him that chance and he has shown he can do that.a
a We also have Chicharito and we have James Wilson, so I dona t think we have a lack of strikers.a
Phil Jones Remains Injured, Van Gaal Keeps Mum On David De Gea
While Phil Jones remains sidelined due to mild thrombosis, Van Gaal refused to field questions on David De Gea, thus suggesting that the Spaniard was unavailable for selection due to the ongoing transfer saga.
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As reported by the Mirror, when quizzed regarding David De Gea, Van Gaal emphatically refused to answer the question while insisting that his views on the matter had been expressed earlier.
a The question is not a good question. I dona t answer that anymore.a
a I have said before what my view is.a
With Fellaini back in contention for a starting spot as he is currently serving a ban in the English Premier League, it will be interesting to see how Manchester United shape up in this crucial Champions League play-off tie. Louis Van Gaal will be keen on not conceding a goal at Old Trafford and Uniteda s recent defensive displays will be a source of comfort for the Dutchman. However, the Red Devils continue to look woeful in front of the goal, which could prompt the manager into making a change to his preferred starting line-up.