Van Gaal: Rooney's goalscoring record is 'amazing'

Louis van Gaal praised Wayne Rooney's "amazing" goalscoring record after the England captain became the second-highest scorer in the history of both Manchester United and the Premier League.

Rooney's winner in the 2-1 victory over Swansea City on Saturday leaves him trailing just Sir Bobby Charlton and Alan Shearer respectively in the club and divisional record books.

The England captain has now scored 238 goals for United - one more than Denis Law - and 188 in the Premier League since his debut for Everton in 2002, moving ahead of ex-Red Devils forward Andy Cole.

"It's amazing," Van Gaal said of Rooney's position in the United goal charts. "And that at the age of 30.

"You have to say that now we are playing much more matches I think, but still it is a fantastic achievement. But for me it's more important that he scores now and he scored today.

"I hope that is a fantastic starting point for the team but also for him."

Rooney was recently dropped from Van Gaal's starting XI having not scored since October, but the Dutchman does not believe that omission can take any credit for Rooney's return to form after his goal gave United a first win in nine matches.

Rooney also impressed against Chelsea having been dropped for the visit to Stoke City two days before, but Van Gaal does not believe his benching has anything to do with his improved form.

"I said to him it is your second match in a row where you are playing very good and you score a goal," Van Gaal added. "That has nothing to do with leaving him out.

"It is also that he has played every game and sometimes he needs rest."