Louis Van Gaal Says Manchester United Forward Wayne Rooney Does Not Have A Mental Block About Playing At Anfield

Wayne Rooney and Manchester United do not have a good recent record at Anfield

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal says key forward Wayne Rooney does not have any problems playing at Anfield.

And Van Gaal agrees that Sunday would be the perfect time for Rooney to end his ongoing goal drought at the home of Liverpool.

The Manchester United skipper has scored just once in 10 appearances at Anfield, that goal coming on his first appearance for United there 10 years ago.

But Van Gaal said: “I don't think that Wayne has a (mental) block, he's a very experienced player.

“He has played on all the grounds in the world, so I don't think that he shall be influenced by the fans at the stadium, or something like that.

“It's strange but it can be like this, and I hope I can change it with Wayne."

United have won just once at Anfield in their last seven visits and Van Gaal says he is getting reminders from all sides that defeat in Sunday’s crucial fixture cannot be countenanced.

"I have always my assistant manager (Ryan Giggs) to say that to me," he said.

"He said that also to the players, in his presentation of the analysis of Liverpool, but I also have the cook, Mike (Donnelly), and he is saying that every day to the players and to me!

"I like that, because that shows that it is a very particular match, especially for the fans of Manchester United, and it helps also to focus and concentrate on this match."

Meanwhile, Van Gaal has backed the claim made by Manchester City's Manuel Pellegrini that a busy Christmas schedule is the primary reason for English clubs disappointing in Europe this season.

"You have to go back to Christmas," said van Gaal. "The world is changing, it's not the same world as 20 years ago.

"Twenty years ago the English Premier League was up here, had a lot of money. A lot of players came to the Premier League, because you are paying well and the Premier League is a high standard.

"But the other countries are developing themselves also, and they also have a winter break, while we have to play four or five matches in two weeks, and they have a break of two weeks.

"Then, you have to play those (teams), after how many matches you have already played? How many matches have Bayern Munich played in the meantime, for example?

"That's the difference. They are much fresher than players of Arsenal or Chelsea. That, in my opinion, is the difference, because players need rest."