Skipper Wayne Rooney is not an automatic pick for Manchester United despite training return, insists Louis van Gaal
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has warned skipper Wayne Rooney that he is not guaranteed a starting berth against PSV Eindhoven in Wednesday's Champions League showdown despite returning to training following illness.
Fellow forward Anthony Martial is also in contention to face PSV after a foot injury sidelined him for Saturday’s Premier League victory against Watford. Utility man Marouane Fellaini is also set to return to the squad.
Group B leaders United can clinch qualification to the knockout stages with victory against the Dutch champions, who lie a point behind Van Gaal’s side and level with VfL Wolfsburg.
“That is not automatic,” said Van Gaal of Rooney’s potential selection. “It is always a decision of the manager.
“I compare always players with each other and I take into account how fit they are and how they show in the training sessions and that’s why Marouane Fellaini, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney have to show it on the training ground.
“Then I have to compare players with who are the best players to fit in with our game-plan. That is the same procedure with every match.”
The return of Rooney, Martial and Fellaini is offset by Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Phil Jones joining long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia in being unavailable for the Old Trafford clash.