Rooney claims Van Gaal was better tactically than Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson
DC United striker hails the Dutchman, who was the second man to struggle to replace iconic Fergie
WAYNE ROONEY has controversially claimed Manchester United flop Louis van Gaal was more skilled tactically than Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ole Trafford legend Fergie, 77, led the Red Devils for 1,500 games and won 38 trophies before retiring in 2013 as champions.
Dutchman LVG was one of three men to try, and fail, to continue Ferguson's legacy during his short spell at Old Trafford from 2014-2016.
But DC United striker Rooney claims the recently retired boss' tactics were not to blame for him falling short.
He told : “It didn’t work for David Moyes and they (Manchester United) then went for the experience of Louis van Gaal.
“He was tactically the best I have worked with – in terms of setting you up in a shape defensively and everyone knowing their roles.
“It was just about getting the attacking side right as well as the defensive side.
“He won a few trophies but it didn’t pan out the way everyone would have hoped.”
Blind faith
After following his former national team boss to Old Trafford, Ajax ace Daley Blind remarked: "He is not frightening, he is just honest.
"That can be frightening, but I like it. He is very honest with everybody, he knows what he wants and he knows his philosophy.
"He can bring that to the players and he can make a team with everybody in. That is a good start for everybody if you want to work for each other. I have really learned a lot from Van Gaal and I like working under him."
Rooney was also asked about David Moyes succeeding Ferguson at Old Trafford.
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He added: “I think Moyes was a bit of a surprise choice but his record at Everton over ten years was great.
“He got them into the Champions League, finished top half almost every year and did a fantastic job.
“I think what Manchester United were trying to to do at the time was bring someone in who had longevity in them as a manager.”
