Wayne Rooney has been criticised of not having a shot on target against Manchester City at the weekend, despite Manchester United only really getting two half chances throughout the whole game, none of which feel to the Englishman.
Nicolás Otamendi was on top form in the Manchester derby and cancelled Rooney out at every opportunity.
The England all-time top goal scorer has 6 goals and assist this season, whilst playing in unfamiliar positions in the line up. His current “poor” season may in part be down to van Gaal’s tactics and formation. Rooney performs significantly better when started alongside another striker, instead of in midfield or as a lone striker.
United manager Louis van Gaal has publically praised Rooney on multiple occasions this season and has finally put a stop on the press asking him for quotes on his captain.
In a post-match press conference last week the Dutch manager exclaimed:
“I have to talk every week about Rooney, why?
“You have your opinion—write it. I don’t give any more answers about Wayne Rooney. I am sick of them.”
It seems as though Wayne Rooney is being used as a scapegoat to account for recent Manchester United performances that have not been as exciting as those played under Sir Alex Ferguson.
But at least United have improved from the massive decline during the David Moyes season in 2013/14.
