Louis van Gaal backs Rooney against critics

Manchester United boss Van Gaal has backed Wayne Rooney over the criticism of the striker's quiet start to the season.

United's Premier League campaign has got off to a good start with two consecutive wins over Tottenham and Aston Villa, but the most expected Red Devils star who once again got his favorite striker position back has displayed a low performance which caused a recent criticism.

But Van Gaal has dismissed all the critics saying he has every faith that the Manchester United captain will deliver goals.

"All the media has written for one year that I have to put him in the striker’s position, so it’s amazing that after two games you are doubting your own opinions,” Van Gaal said.

"I cannot understand that. I have always confidence in my players.

"We have a long way to go this season, but we have had a better start than last year and also two clean sheets.

"That says about our structure and balance, so I have confidence that we will develop ourselves to a much higher level and I expect that also from my players."

Van Gaal on United's re-entry to Champions League,

"There's a lot of pressure because our aim and goal is to reach the Champions League group stage,

"These kinds of matches are difficult. Brugge can defend very well. They can attack also, so it shall be a difficult match. That is why the pressure is high.

"The board, the players and the fans want to participate [in Europe], so the pressure is high. We have to show our quality against a good team, but it is not an easy game."