Wayne Rooney accepts he should have let Juan Mata take the penalty against Liverpool

Wayne Rooney has said he should have let Juan Mata take the penalty

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has come out on social media stating he regrets taking the late penalty at Anfield and wishes that he could have given Juan Mata the opportunity to complete his hat-trick.

Rooney missed an injury-time penalty awarded to United after Emre Can fouled Daley Blind inside the box during last night’s match between Liverpool and the Red Devils.

Mata, by that time, had already scored two goals, including a spectacular scissor kick that ultimately handed United a 2-1 win. Rooney wishes he could have left the penalty for Mata so that the Spaniard had an opportunity to complete his treble.

Rooney has now scored only 18 of 26 Premier League penalties while he is yet to score at Anfield since 2005. He took to twitter to send this message.

Very happy tonight. Fans were amazing. @juanmata8 great goals. Should of let him take penalty. And the United fan in the kop. Brilliant

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) March 22, 2015

Michael Carrick too applauded Mata’s performance on the day.

Big big result. These are the ones that you remember A lot more than just 3 points Mr @juanmata8 magic just magic

— Michael Carrick (@carras16) March 22, 2015