Louis van Gaal backs Wayne Rooney to end Everton drought

Louis van Gaal has said that Wayne Rooney can end his goal-scoring drought against Everton when Manchester United travel to Goodison Park this weekend.

The former Toffees striker has not scored on his last six visits to his old club, last finding the back of the net at Goodison in a 4-2 win in April 2007.

The manager said at his pre-match press conference: "Maybe against Everton that can change. I have heard his average there is not so good. So it's getting time that he changed that pattern.

"I'm a manager who analyses opponents and gives him advice as to how we can disorganise Everton's defence, then maybe he can score. He's our captain, so that's very important, because his influence is bigger than every other player in our group."

Rooney has scored five goals in 11 appearances for United this season, but only one of them has been in the league.