Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has insisted that there is nothing in Wayne Rooney's game that the forward has to "change".

The England international, who was appointed United captain in the summer, has apologised for getting sent off in Saturday's 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old was given a straight red card for a high and late challenge on Stewart Downing, and as a result will miss the next three matches.

"For me, he doesn't have to change," the Daily Star quotes Van Gaal as saying. "He just needed to do it in a more friendly manner.

"He said that to me afterwards. That the challenge was more unfriendly and that was maybe his biggest error because I think he did it at the right time.

"Three games is a big miss, especially as I am thinking now he is playing at a good standard in his new role. And he likes to play there. And when he gets three matches it means also that my captain is away. He is a very important person, especially in my vision because not for nothing is he captain of this team."

Saturday's result was United's second Premier League win in six games.