Wayne Rooney says players must accept responsibility for poor performances

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has blamed the club’s players for their poor form and claims they need to shoulder the responsibility.

United lie 6th in the Premier League table, 11 points off fourth-placed Liverpool with all hopes of Champions League football next season relying on winning the competition itself this season.

The Reds have been inconsistent all season, in David Moyes’ first at the helm, dropping a lot of points at Old Trafford and losing ground on their rivals every week.

Rooney has been their standout player throughout a difficult season and has 10 goals in the league following his superb volley in the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

He signed off the week with a goal after securing his long-term future with the club and signing a mega £300,000 per week deal.

“As a group of players we have to take responsibility for our league position,” Rooney conceded.

“We know we’re better than that and we haven’t performed as well as we can do.

“We know that and it hurts. Now it’s important we finish the season strongly and take some momentum into next year, but more importantly get into fourth spot and do well in the Champions League.”

One of the reasons for United’s struggles this season have been down to Moyes’ inability to play Robin van Persie and Rooney together, due to injuries. Man Utd have lost just two of the 36 games that the pair have started together to it is vital that they can get on the pitch together.

“Robin is a fantastic player,” Rooney added.

“He is one of the best goalscorers in world football.

“We’ve got a good record when we’ve played together but unfortunately we have had injuries at similar times but hopefully we can stay fit and help us win games.

“When we’re fit, we’ll score goals, but we’ve also got other players who can come in and score goals too.”