Louis van Gaal has backed Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney to rediscover his goal scoring form when his side travel to Goodison Park this afternoon.

The Dutchman was asked about the England striker's form in yesterday afternoon's press conference and said: "So maybe against Everton he can change but his average is not so good [against them].

"So it’s getting time that he changed that pattern. I don’t know [why]. That you have to ask Wayne but I’m a manager who analyses opponents and gives him advice as to how we can disorganise Everton’s defence and then maybe he can score.

“That is what I’m doing, not only for Wayne but all the players, especially from the view of the team tactics rather than the individual tactics.”

Rooney is once again fit for selection after recovering from an ankle injury that ruled him out of England's final European Championship qualifier away to Lithuania on Sunday.

The 30-year-old has not scored away to Everton in eight years and is struggling to find form this term in the Premier League.

Van Gaal insisted he remained a key player in the side: “He’s our captain so that’s very important because his influence is bigger than every other player in our group. He’s a very important player for me, his colleagues, everybody,” said the 63-year-old.

“I don’t believe it with his personality.”

Anthony Martial, who was voted September's player of the month, may also feature this afternoon and reports this week indicated that he was wanted by Everton to join the Merseyside club on a loan deal.

“He’s second striker. Our 10 is a second striker. That’s what my preference is but sometimes I need another type in midfield. We’ll have to see if he continues with that because Wayne can play in different positions.”

Via Guardian Sport