Angel Di Maria has struggled to settle at Manchester United during his first season in the Premier League, but the Argentine has high aspirations at Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised Wayne Rooney for the way he captains the club.

Van Gaal appointed Rooney as United’s captain at the start of the season and is convinced he made the right decision after they established a close rapport.

And Van Gaal has been impressed with the way Rooney, who is also the England skipper, consults with his colleagues.

“He is a democratic leader, he is not a dictator,” Van Gaal told MUTV. “I like democratic leadership. He is always setting an example for the other players and maybe Wayne is the example for the team’s fighting spirit.”

Rooney was sent off against West Ham in September for kicking out at Stewart Downing and has a reputation for disputing refereeing decisions, but Van Gaal has few problems with his attitude.

“Sometimes he can cross the limits but when you review his season you can say that he is a controlled captain,” Van Gaal added. “He will always argue with the referee but he did it at the right moment in a positive way. 

“I think after one season I can say I made the right decision to make him our captain. I am very happy with him.”