Van Gaal ‘crisis talks’ reportedly held by Rooney, Man United

A clutch of Manchester United’s senior players, including skipper Wayne Rooney, reportedly held showdown talks with manager Louis van Gaal in the wake of their 2-1 defeat to Norwich City last weekend.

John Cross and David Maddock of the Daily Mirror wrote the club captain demanded the discussions. According to Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail, Rooney, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata all voiced their concerns in these “crisis talks,” having lost their last three games in succession and not won since late November.

“The latest exchange of views focused on his hard-line training methods, the nature of his strict regime and the tactics used by the team on matchdays,” wrote Ashton. “United’s players believe the club’s crippling injury list is being caused by over-training and have asked the Dutchman to ease off in some of the sessions.”

It’s suggested these “clear-the-air” discussions will see all at the club seek to pull together in an attempt to try to turn the campaign around, with Van Gaal reportedly now willing for there to be more communication between the players and the coaching staff.

As noted by BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Van Gaal is also said to have delivered an impassioned speech to the players at the team’s annual Christmas lunch.