Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has talked up the performance of Wayne Rooney after they beat Liverpool 3-1 in the final of the International Champions Cup on Monday.

Rooney's equalising goal dragged his side back into the game against Brendan Rodgers's team in Miami, and the Dutch manager was full of praise for the England striker.

He told the club's official website: "I think Rooney deserved to win Player of the Tournament because he gave a lot of assists and scored goals.

"But we also defended well - there are a lot of defenders who could also have been the most valuable player of this tournament. It's nice for the fans in the USA and also at home that we beat Liverpool.

"I'm always looking for opportunities to give players the armband. Rooney was captain because he played for 90 minutes."

United begin their new Premier League campaign with a visit from Swansea City.

Written by
Paul Gorst