Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has insisted that he is "very satisfied" with striker Wayne Rooney despite his captain's goal-shy form.
The 30-year-old has netted just twice from 11 Premier League games in a season which has seen him deployed in a central attacking role at times, with youngster Anthony Martial preferred as the spearhead.
United legend Roy Keane slammed Rooney following the 0-0 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven, but Van Gaal is delighted with his skipper's all-round contribution.
"Wayne is doing a lot, has a very great contribution in the team. I am very satisfied with him," the Dutchman is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo.
Asked if Rooney deserves his place based on current form, Van Gaal added: "Yes, of course. Otherwise he is out of the team. At this moment, he doesn't play in the striker's position, [Anthony] Martial is playing there.
"But it is possible he shall play other matches there. It is dependable not always on the quality and shape of the player at the moment, but also the gameplan."
The Red Devils sit second in the league table, one point behind Saturday's opponents Leicester City.
Shane Callaghan
