Rooney bullish but United miles off the pace

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Paul Scholes, the Old Trafford legend now turned television pundit, was not alone in making unflattering comparisons between Van Gaal’s first United line-up and those of the recent past and, while injuries and lack of match fitness to key players played a part in the Dutchman’s opening day woes, Swansea’s first ever victory at this ground underlined one key fact.

Unless executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward manages to strengthen Van Gaal’s squad before the transfer window closes in two weeks, United are doomed to endure another long and frustratingly unsuccessful season.