Captain Wayne Rooney won't walk back into Manchester United team: Louis van Gaal

Wayne Rooney’s starting spot at Manchester United is not assured under Louis van Gaal

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has sounded out a warning to Wayne Rooney saying that his spot in the team is not guaranteed.

The Red Devils captain is currently serving a three-match ban after he was sent off for bringing down Stewart Downing in a match against West Ham. Rooney received a straight red card for recklessly hacking him down.

The England striker will miss the game against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Monday night and will also miss the visit of the table toppers Chelsea when they come to Old Trafford.

But he will be available when they play their derby rivals Manchester City in the first week of November.

Nobody can walk back into the Manchester United team: Van Gaal

When Van Gaal was asked if Rooney would make a comeback at the Etihad on November 2, the he replied: “Nobody is walking back in my team, believe me. You have to earn it on the training ground.

“But every player here already knows that. I have always said that just because players have the best name, it doesn’t mean that they are the best for the team.

“I am always looking for a constant level of performance ­­– from the team and from individual players,” he added.

Van Gaal also touched upon other players who have performed well in the past but will have to work hard to get back in the team.

“Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones are great football players but, believe me, sometimes the other players are doing better.

Van Gaal has always selected players who perform rather than on reputation

The Dutch boss has already stood by his philosophy and given starts to players like Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett in defence after his squad was struck by injuries.

Van Gaal said: “It is not only the name. I have seen, for example, a player like McNair. He was outstanding in the first match and you have seen the reaction of the fans to that.

“Of course Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have not been ­available. But I am always thinking that youngsters can take the job over. It’s not any problem.

“We have also good youth players – and we have showed that already with not just McNair but with Blackett and also with Jesse Lingard.