Louis van Gaal backs Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney to score 25 goals this season

Luke Shaw will be out for at least six months, says Louis van Gaal. That's not as bad as it could be, given the absolute **** of an injury he had. The operations have taken place, and he has friends in the squad who'll be able to help out with keeping him involved with the group. You'd hope. That's in the Mirror.

Van Gaal is also unconcerned about Wayne Rooney's form, and thinks he's capable of scoring 25 goals over the course of the season. He's wrong, obviously, but it's not like he can say anything different about his captain. You can read this story in the Telegraph.

Barely human Martin Keown, in the Manchester Evening News, is quoted as saying that Rooney has lost his spark. He's also lost his ability to finish quickly, control the ball, pass or run at top speed when required. So at least Keown managed to get something right - it makes a nice change.

You can read Jack Sargeant's excellent preview of Manchester United versus Sunderland here.