Luis Enrique was my Rooney during my days as a coach at Barcelona- LVG

The former forward won back-to-back Liga titles and the Copa del Rey under the current Manchester United boss at Camp Nou

Louis van Gaal has heaped praise on Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique, comparing him to Manchester Unitedcaptain Wayne Rooney as a player.

The former Spain international won back-to-back Liga titles and the Copa del Rey between 1997 and 1999 under the guidance of the Dutch coach at Camp Nou.

Van Gaal is now preparing his United side to face Luis Enrique's treble-winning Barcelona in Saturday's International Champions Cup clash in California and, speaking ahead of the game, he had nothing but the highest esteem for his opposite number.

"He was a perfect player, fantastic for me. An example during training. Always at 100 per cent," he told reporters.

"I gave him a very important responsibility, playing as a No.10. You have to score goals, and he did it. He was like Rooney."