Van Gaal's plea to England: Don't start Rooney against Estonia and Lithuania

England's Wayne Rooney celebrates his 50th international goal during the UEFA European Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Louis van Gaal is hoping that record breaker Wayne Rooney won’t play in both of England’s forthcoming games against Estonia and Lithuania.

 

Rooney faces Arsenal today at the Emirates with just one Premier League goal this season and a concern over his general form.

But with England he has hit the heights and overtaken Old Trafford legend Sir Bobby Charlton’s all time goals record for the Three Lions.

 

Van Gaal clearly believes the international break would be an opportune period in which to allow the 29-year-old striker to recharge his batteries.

He won’t force the issue but believes England manager Roy Hodgson could strike a compromise and play Rooney in just one of the games, ideally Friday night’s Wembley visit of Estonia and leave him out of the trip to Lithuania.

 

When asked if he would like Rooney rested or at least used sparingly in the next two England games Van Gaal said: “He is the captain of the team. I would be very pleased, because Rooney is playing all the matches with me.

“But you cannot mix the interests of the English national team with Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal doesn't want his skipper to play in England's next qualifiers

“I shall be very pleased when he (Hodgson) spares him for a match, because England have already qualified. But he is still the captain. And I know that.”

Questioned whether Van Gaal would have a conversation with Hodgson over his concerns the Old Trafford boss added: “He (Hodgson) is a wise man.”