Louis van Gaal praises Wayne Rooney’s mentality

The England striker, having gone 10 games without a goal, slotted home three times as his side breezed towards a 7-1 aggregate score.

Van Gaal feels he played a key part in keeping Rooney’s confidence up during his recent troubles.

“I have given him always the confidence that a player needs,” the Manchester United manager said.

“But I think Wayne has a very strong mentality and with his level he always shall come back. He proved that this evening.

Wayne Rooney celebrates with Ander Herrera in Bruges

“Still it’s a long way for him and also for Manchester United it’s not so easy, but of course I’m very happy for him.”

Van Gaal handed Herrera his first start of the season in Bruges and the Spaniard did not let his manager down.

He laid Rooney on for his third goal and added the team’s fourth with a calm finish following a brilliant through-ball by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Van Gaal was reluctant to praise the former Athletic Bilbao man, who was far more effective when playing in the number 10 position following Adnan Januzaj’s withdrawal at half-time.

Wayne Rooney celebrates a Champions League hat-trick

“He started not so good,” said Van Gaal, who watched Javier Hernandez spurn a chance to score a fifth from the penalty spot late on.

“He had a lot of ball losses and also a yellow card, so at that moment I wanted to change him, but then I saw he was coming back.

“And after that moment he plays a good match on the ‘double six’ position, but later on at 10 he was better. So I’m very pleased also for him.”

Source Skysports