Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested that Wayne Rooney is not able to be dropped from his first team, with the player earning special priveleges as a result of being captain of the side, as reported by the Daily Star.
This will come as a surprise to the majority of fans, who have seen Rooney perform poorly thus far this season. He was awarded the captaincy this summer, and many thought it to be a bad choice, given his questionable form over the last few seasons.
However, Van Gaal has now clarified that, despite believing no player to be fixed in the side, he thinks his captain should always play whenever he is available, along with his first choice goalkeeper.
Van Gaal said: “I don’t think any player is fixed.
“Only the captain has more privileges but no other player has privileges I think.
“Every player knows that because when you see how I manage my teams.
“There are always players you put in a team. My captain shall always play and normally the goalkeeper.”
Rooney was also awarded the England armband this summer after the retirement of Steven Gerrard, and led the national side to two victories during the last international break.