After being back in the Champions League in his first season, Louis Van Gaal and his players believe they are ready to take the next step.
Wayne Rooney claimed that getting back to the Champions League was the main objective this season and that the players have done well to achiever their goal.
Rooney also suggested that missing out on the Champions League was a big blow for a club like Manchester United and stated how Liverpool missing out on it for years, was devastating for the Anfield outfit.
“It was very important,” said Rooney. “If you look at Liverpool and what happened to them, they were without it for years, which was no shame, but I think one year was far too much for this club.
“Our main objective this season was to get back into playing Champions League football and kick on next season. We’re establishing a very good squad, who I believe can go on and win silverware next year.”
The former Evertonian states that Van Gaal has been excellent, despite his different methods of working and that the squad is ready to win trophies next season. Rooney also explained that the players found it difficult to adjust to Van Gaal’s methods in the first few months, but have embraced his philosophy since then.
“Tough. No, the manager has come in and he’s been excellent.
“It’s a different way of working, a different way to what we were used to, but I think the players have embraced that.
“I think the first few months it was different, we found it tough and I think that probably showed in our performances.
“But since then I think everyone has seen the quality of football we’ve been playing and I’m sure with the experience the manager has got we’ll kick on from that, learn a lot and it will benefit us.”
Further, the Manchester United captain confirmed that his vote for the player of the year goes to Ashley Young. The England winger has been ever present for the Red Devils this season, notching up important goals and assists from the left wing.
“I voted for Ashley Young,” said Rooney. “I’m sure he is [on the verge of an England recall]. He had a difficult season last year, he didn’t play much, and I know he found that tough.
“He had a bit of stick from the fans, but he’s come back, turned that around and been incredible this year, that’s why I voted for him.”
Deployed as a winger as well as a full back, Young has been consistent and perhaps United’s most reliable performer after David De Gea.
Manchester United have already completed the signing of Memphis Depay and are now looking to add to their defence and midfield in order to help their title charge next season.
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