Van Gaal has 'full confidence' in Rooney

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given Wayne Rooney his unequivocal backing following the striker's subdued start to the Premier League campaign.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given Wayne Rooney his unequivocal backing following the striker's subdued start to the Premier League campaign.

Rooney has been restored to his favoured striker's position this season, but is yet to make his mark in the final third of the pitch.

The United skipper has yet to lodge a shot on target, though, prompting many to question whether he should be shifted back into a midfield role in order to allow the likes of Javier Hernadez, Radamel Falcao and James Wilson to stake a claim for the lone striker role.

Speaking to the press ahead of his side's Champions League play-off against Club Brugge, Van Gaal said: "We have a long way to go this season, but we have had a better start than last year and also two clean sheets.

"That says about our structure and balance, so I have confidence that we will develop ourselves to a much higher level and I expect that also from my players.

"All the media has written for one year that I have to put him (Rooney) in the striker's position, so it's amazing that after two games you're doubting your own opinions, I cannot understand that. I have always confidence in my players."

Rooney, 29, made 33 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last term, bagging 12 goals in the process. His highest tally was in the 2011/12 season when he netted 27 times in 34 appearances.