Wayne Rooney adds punch to Manchester United strike force
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal refused to comment on Wayne Rooney’s boxing antics, but praised his captain for helping to inspire his side to a crucial 3-0 win over Premier League top-four rivals Tottenham.
A Sunday newspaper story claimed Rooney had been knocked out by former United defender Phil Bardsley in a supposedly friendly boxing bout at Rooney’s house last month.
The England and United captain responded by throwing a flurry of punches and falling to the turf as if knocked down as he celebrated scoring the third goal against Tottenham which left the Londoners out for the count at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Van Gaal did not see the funny side of the story, saying: “In what a world we live that we are talking about such a thing – that a newspaper paid a lot for a video and I am answering questions about that. What is this world, twisted? I don’t want to answer questions about such things.”
But the Dutchman applauded Rooney for a speech he made to his teammates the night before United produced their best performance of the season to overwhelm Tottenham and go five points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, who play at Swansea on Monday before hosting Van Gaal’s men this weekend.
We have waited a long time for such a victory. The performance was very good against a very good team
“The players know this game was of massive importance so I think a captain has to do something to help the players or help the manager or help the club. I was very pleased,” Van Gaal said.
