Wayne Rooney claims Manchester United 'dominated from start to finish' against Chelsea

Captain shares view of his manager Louis van Gaal over performance

(Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney and Louis van Gaal took consolation in defeat after Manchester United's performance in the 1-0 loss at Chelsea.

Injury-depleted United slipped to defeat despite enjoying the better of much of the play against the Premier League leaders, who are now 11 points clear of the third-placed Red Devils.

Yet the visitors' performance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday has given Rooney and Van Gaal cause for optimism.

"I thought it was excellent, we dominated from start to finish," Rooney told MUTV.

"We created some good chances, but unfortunately didn't take any of them.

"I felt that if we got a goal, even with five minutes to go, we would have gone on to win.

"We can take great confidence from this result as I've rarely seen a team come to Stamford Bridge and dominate so much, all that was missing was a goal.

"On another day we could have scored two or three goals, but it wasn't to be.

"We have to move on now and look forward to facing Everton next weekend."

Van Gaal, who deployed Rooney in midfield after injuries to Michael Carrick, among others, was pleased with the chances created, but rued missing them.

"We were always in the half of the opponent," the Dutchman said.

"In spite of the compact defence and the defensive organisation of Chelsea, we have created in the second half more chances.

"That is an unbelievable performance, I think. But you need to score.

"Normally we are more effective. I think we played a fantastic match, but we lost."

PA