adminLONDON. – Wayne Rooney is determined to impress new manager Louis van Gaal during Manchester United’s pre-season trip to the United States.
Van Gaal started work at Old Trafford last week after leading the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup and he is using the tour of America as a chance to assess his squad.
The Dutchman will also need to make a decision on United’s next captain, with Rooney a contender for the role, and the England striker is eager to make an impact in pre-season.
“We all have to go out and show what we can do,” Rooney, who could start United’s first pre-season fixture against LA Galaxy in the early hours of Thursday morning, is quoted in The Sun.
“We have to show him every day in training what different qualities we have got as players and a team. Everyone wants to impress the new manager so that is what we are all aiming to do.
“We will try to put what we are doing in training into the games.
“Obviously, we have a manager with new ideas so we have to try to train well and make sure we are listening to what he wants to do and take that on to the pitch.
“We have to show him what we can do. I have only had one session but the preparation has been really good. I’m just looking forward to getting more sessions in before our first game.”
United’s record signing Juan Mata is also looking forward to the prospect of playing a full part in pre-season following Spain’s group stage exit at the World Cup.
But Mata has also warned Louis Van Gaal running Manchester United’s stars into the ground in pre-season could be a bad idea. Van Gaal has pushed his squad since taking over at Old Trafford, implementing double training sessions.
United are currently in Los Angeles for their pre-season tour of America and have been working hard in hot temperatures.
But Mata believes it is important for the players not to overdo it trying to impress the new manager.
“The most important thing is to get ready, step by step, and not too hard because injuries can happen,” Mata said.
“It’s important for us to prepare physically and mentally for the long season.”
He added: “It’s the start of a new era for the club, with a new manager and players coming in.
“I’m really happy with the manager’s style of football and hopefully at the end of the season we can celebrate something, which would be amazing for him and for us.
“We’re focused on improving and trying to learn from the manager, to play at our best level during the season. The main idea is to play as a team and compete for titles.”
Mata’s teammate Chris Smalling will also take part in the entire pre-season tour as England – like Spain – were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stages.
But Smalling reckons the hard graft the squad are putting in during their stay in the US will be worthwhile. – Sky Sports-The Daily Express
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