Louis van Gaal has insisted he is no dictator by revealing that Wayne Rooney can make him change his mind.
The Manchester United captain is involved in wide-ranging discussions about all aspects of the club and Van Gaal said their bond is much closer than a normal player-manager relationship, explaining he is open to persuasion by the striker.
Van Gaal is delighted with the way Rooney, who he appointed captain last year, has embraced his leadership role and feels the United squad benefit from their understanding.
“He is the most social guy and also very responsible,” he said. “I think he trusts me, so that is very important and I trust him, so when he comes to me and has remarks I always pay attention to them. He also has the confidence to say things that are not always normal for players to say, so that is also good for the atmosphere in the dressing room.
He fulfils my expectations unbelievably well. I am very happy and proud of him. As a player, he is the example for everybody because his mentality is from a very high level.”
Van Gaal said their conversations cover everything from his choice of players to their food, explaining: “It is about things like the selection and the kitchen and the members of staff. Everything you can mention, he is involved.”
The manager said his willingness to listen to confidants such as Rooney and vice-captain Michael Carrick proves he is not an autocrat.
I am amazed you say I am single-minded,” he said. “I have a philosophy. You have to come with good arguments to change my philosophy but when you have a better argument than me I change. I am an open guy. I speak about everything, but also with all my other players.”
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