Gary Neville has commended Louis van Gaal for sparking new life to Wayne Rooney's Manchester United career.
United captain Rooney has been in inspired form since the turn of the year, scoring a host of vital goals - and it became apparent that he delivered a heartfelt team talk to his team-mates before the Manchester derby victory.
Now, former United full-back Neville has congratulated manager Van Gaal for getting the best out of Rooney.
Rooney played what appeared to be just a minor role in the derby day demolition of Manchester City, but Neville insists that is actually because of the style of play that Van Gaal has got him to play.
The England skipper touched the ball just 35 times, a joint-record low for himself in the Premier League, but Neville believed that Rooney's game plan was to dominate the City centre-backs.
Speaking during Sky Sports Monday Night Football, he said: "Having played with Wayne Rooney for three or four years, having worked with him with England for three or four years, he's a street football player, he can chase the ball, wants to get involved, wants to get everywhere on the pitch.
"I think Louis van Gaal must have him on a lead in training, (saying) 'that's not your position, that's not what you're there to do'.
"He runs back up straight in between Manchester City's two centre backs and he's in position. Now, that is a big achievement by Louis van Gaal, trust me.
"To get that player to play like that, the way he plays the game, you usually see him charging down channels, you usually see him dropping back into midfield, if he doesn't get the ball for five minutes he'll go and get the ball because that's the type of player he is.
In pictures - Manchester United 4-2 Manchester City:
"It’s a fantastic achievement by Louis van Gaal. Watching him yesterday, it really did become a silent domination of City’s centre backs.
"I would think he (Van Gaal) may have watched that game and he might think that’s Wayne Rooney’s best performance for Manchester United."
Jamie Carragher was also full of praise for Van Gaal and what he has done at United.
He said: "There's no doubt: Van Gaal has an influence on people like Guardiola, (Jose) Mourinho, he's worked with them.
"Watching Manchester United now, they've actually conceded 30 goals in 32 games, that's an unbelievable defensive record. Now, that organisation, that is the best thing about Louis van Gaal for me."