English Premier League: Van Gaal hails Rooney's performance

The skipper scored the third in United’s 3-0 win over Tottenham

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal refused to comment on Wayne Rooney's boxing antics, but praised his captain for helping to inspire his side to a crucial 3-0 win over Premier League top-four rivals Tottenham.

A Sunday newspaper story claimed that Rooney had been knocked out by former United defender Phil Bardsley in a supposedly friendly boxing bout at Rooney's house last month.

The England and United captain responded by throwing a flurry of punches and falling to the turf as if knocked down as he celebrated scoring the third goal against Tottenham which left the Londoners out for the count at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"The players know this game was of massive importance so I think a captain has to do something to help the players or help the manager or help the club. I was very pleased," said van Gaal. "We have waited a long time for such a victory. The performance was very good against a very good team, so I am pleased.”

The Dutch manager is now looking to the match against arch-rivals Liverpool. "We have to look step by step and the next game is Liverpool. I believe Manchester United has not won too often the games in Liverpool."

Tottenham had won five of their previous seven league games and could have gone level on points with United with another victory.

Mauricio Pochettino admitted they had produced one of their worst performances of the season, but the Tottenham manager has not given up on a top-four finish. "I am not disappointed with the result because it is a consequence of our poor performance," said Pochettino. "We are in a position where all is possible. It is very difficult because we are competing with five sides like Manchester United."

 

 

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