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Man United boss Louis van Gaal praises Wayne Rooney's mentality

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Louis van Gaal was very happy with Manchester United's performance in their 4-0 victory away to Club Brugge

Louis van Gaal praised Wayne Rooney's mentality after the striker netted a hat-trick in Manchester United's 4-0 win at Club Brugge.

The England striker, having gone 10 games without a goal, slotted home three times on Wednesday night as his side breezed towards a 7-1 aggregate score in the Champions League play-off round tie.

Van Gaal feels he played a key part in keeping Rooney's confidence up during his recent troubles.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg match v Club Brugge
Image: Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring Manchester United's third goal away to Club Brugge

"I have given him always the confidence that a player needs," the United manager said.

"But I think Wayne has a very strong mentality and with his level, he always shall come back. He proved that this evening.

Wayne Rooney  celebrates with Ander Herrera
Image: Wayne Rooney gets a hug from fellow goalscorer Ander Herrera

"Still it's a long way for him and also for Manchester United, it's not so easy, but of course I'm very happy for him."

Van Gaal handed Ander Herrera his first start of the season in Bruges and the Spaniard did not let his manager down.

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Wayne has a very strong mentality and with his level, he always shall come back. He proved that this evening.
Louis van Gaal

He laid Rooney on for his third goal and added the team's fourth with a calm finish following a brilliant through-ball by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Van Gaal was reluctant to praise the former Athletic Bilbao man, who was far more effective when playing in the number 10 position following Adnan Januzaj's withdrawal at half-time.

Wayne Rooney celebrates
Image: Wayne Rooney celebrates a Champions League hat-trick

"He started not so good," said Van Gaal, who watched Javier Hernandez spurn a chance to score a fifth from the penalty spot late on.

"He had a lot of ball losses and also a yellow card, so at that moment I wanted to change him, but then I saw he was coming back.

"And after that moment, he plays a good match on the 'double six' position, but later on at 10 he was better. So I'm very pleased also for him."

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