He said our captain would always play when asked how he's going to fit RVP, Falcao, Mata and Rooney in to 2/3 places. If we sign a world class striker like Lewandowski (this is completely theoretical by the way - wouldnt happen) and a much needed midfielder, Van Gaal could easily drop Rooney.
Not saying he shouldn't be dropped under any circumstances, however I'm pretty sure Van Gaal mentioned this special treatment for his captain part more than once. I honestly have no idea, but I'd be willing to bet that if someone was to check back to the teams he managed before United, that we'd see similarities regarding this.
And even so, it's not like Rooney hasn't earned it. I accept the fact that the contract negotiation part is gonna be thrown in my face here, but putting that aside for a minute I think it makes perfect sense. His teammates and Van Gaal have complimented him several times on his job as "captain" among other things. What I'm trying to say is, over the years, like it or not, he became sort of a talismanic figure here and you generaly want and expect these players to play, and I'm pretty sure it has an effect on United players as well, atleast judging on what I've read/seen so far.
And before you get the wrong idea, if he was actualy crap I'd be all for dropping him, like anyone else, but he's not. He was again without a doubt (dismissing De Gea) one of the best if not the best player on the team. Our performances the past couple of seasons have been way below par in regards to what we grew accustomed to, we all know that, but the fact of the matter is Rooney has been one of a select few that have actually been playing well and lifted the team at times, he shouldn't actualy be dropped as of now, not while he keeps being one of the best players on the team.
Oh and also, theoreticaly signing both a WC Striker and the much needed midfielder, I think would sooner cause someone else to lose their place than Rooney. For all the bad sides to being so versatile, this is where it'd come good for him. First of all we have to account for rotation/possible injuries, but even so, let's say it's the "CL final, the team is healthy, who do you go for" type of situation, In this case he'd play in midfield, an attacking midfield role most likely. Which is basicaly what I expect next season to be like for Rooney, switching from striker to attacking midfielder (provided we sign a striker), depending on the rotation/injuries.