If there is one football player who has been on a wane in the past few months, it is Manchester United and England captain, Wayne Rooney. Rooney has been having a torrid time on the field as he continues to search for his ideal role in the squads for his club and country.
Although Rooney has stated that he prefers to play in the midfield considering his age, it is evident to any viewer that the 30-year-old has been below par in almost all the games he has played so far this season.
Rooney was booed by England fans during their match against Malta on October 8. However, former captain of Manchester United and club legend, Bryan Robson believes that the Manchester United captain will receive support from the Red Devils fans which will help Rooney work his way back to form.
“He doesn’t deserve to be booed like he was against Malta and one thing I do know is that the United supporters will stick by him. Wayne will know that the next time he pulls on a United shirt the fans will be right behind him — as they should be,” Robson said.
Rooney has featured in 118 games for England and scored 53 goals. This is the highest number of appearances for England by any outfield player. Rooney's goal record is also the highest for any English player.
Considering these facts, it would seem that the England fans should not be booing the captain. But, such has been the performances by Rooney that most England fans have been let down leading to their harsh behaviour towards him.
“Most of the England fans are fantastic. They get behind their country, no matter what, and you really have to appreciate that. But in the case of Wayne, some of them seem to have a problem. Whenever things go wrong it is always Wayne Rooney’s fault — never anybody else’s — and that is not right,” Robson noted.
United play their next game at Anfield, where Rooney can be assured of getting no love from Liverpool fans. However, according to former Manchester United player, Paddy Crerand believes that the club’s fans will voice their support for Rooney even at Anfield.
“Because he plays in front of 70,000 regularly, people think he is full of confidence. But when things aren’t going well, your confidence goes. Yet he will get great support from United fans at Anfield and an even bigger reception the next time he plays at Old Trafford,” Crerand said.
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