Louis van Gaal's tactics to blame for Wayne Rooney's poor form, says former Manchester United coach

Rene Meulensteen believes that Rooney's talents are being restricted due to Van Gaal's tactical changes

Wayne Rooney reacts after missing a chance for Manchester United (Getty Images)

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes that Louis van Gaal’s tactics are to blame for Wayne Rooney’s alarming slump in form that has seen him score just twice in the Premier League this season.

Meulensteen feels that the United captain “does not look totally himself” having copped a large wave of criticism from his own fans of late, with many believing that summer signing Anthony Martial should be leading the line with Rooney either sitting deep or dropped.

But Meulensteen does not believe that Rooney is at fault for his drop in form and instead identified Louis van Gaal’s tactics for restricting the England skipper.

“You can’t throw it all at Wayne himself, it’s a combination of a few things,” Meulensteen told TalkSport.

“Wayne is an adventurous player who likes to have freedom on the pitch, to roam around and get involved and find his own way to get into the game.

“I think at the moment he’s a little more restricted, he doesn’t always get the ball when he wants it and where he wants it.”

Although Rooney has scored eight goals in all competitions for club and country, his Premier League form is of worry for United, although Van Gaal has already admitted he is sicking of being asked questions about Rooney’s form.

But Meulensteen believes the change in the style of play at Old Trafford from the Sir Alex Ferguson days – who Meulensteen served under from 2007 until 2013 – and feels that Van Gaal has his side playing much slower than United did in the past.

“Manchester United are going through a transformation from the style Sir Alex Ferguson liked to play,” Meulensteen added.

“He wanted to play with a lot of creativity, a lot of freedom and, at times, risk, but now under Louis van Gaal it’s much more calculated. It’s more about working your way up the pitch, it’s more laboured and more pedestrian.

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen (Getty Images)

“Wayne’s stats in the derby may have looked poor, but a lot of players’ stats also looked poor.

“But I do feel that he is not totally himself when I see him play at the moment."