(Manchester United News)
Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney's part in creating Manchester United's crucial winner at St James' Park summed up the enduring and unbreakable team spirit within his squad.
The captain chased down what appeared to be a lost cause in the final seconds of what had looked like being a frustrating evening for the Reds. And Rooney's hustling and harrying led to a mistake from Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul allowing Young to stroke home a vital goal.
"I have to say that Wayne, how he makes that goal, is unbelievable, because it was a lost ball. But his fighting spirit is unbelievable," van Gaal told MUTV.
"I have a fantastic group. They have the spirit and, in spite of all the criticism, they want to win and always play good football. Today I think we played good football."
The Reds created a raft of excellent chances but found Krul in inspired form until the final moments. At the other end, David De Gea once again played a huge role in helping United pick up three points.
"David De Gea, this year, is unbelievable," declared van Gaal. "In my career I have a lot of good goalkeepers, for example Edwin van der Sar was one of my goalkeepers and [Victor] Valdes also with Barcelona, but De Gea is having a great season.
"Newcastle is a difficult ground to win at so I am very pleased," he added. "They have won here against the top clubs so I am very happy."
