Wayne Rooney has offered his support to Jose Mourinho during a tough period for Manchester United, with under performing players told to “stand up” and shoulder more responsibility.
The 2018-19 campaign has been a testing one at Old Trafford thus far, with as many headlines being made off the field as on it.
United’s all-time leading goalscorer told reporters after his latest outing for MLS side D.C. United: “It’s tough [at Old Trafford], it has been a tough situation.
“The players, the manager, it has been a tough start to the season.
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“I know Jose is getting a load of stick but I said a few weeks ago, the players have to stand up. They have to be counted and they have to be better. The manager can do so much but then it is down to the players on the pitch to produce and probably collectively.
“It [the poor run of form] is a bit of everything coming together but Jose is an easy target. Some of the players have to be better.
“I said the same thing when Louis van Gaal was there. He took a lot of stick but behind closed doors I said to the players, ‘We have to be doing better’.
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“Personally I think he [Van Gaal] set us up brilliantly the way but we didn’t produce on the pitch so I am sure that is getting said behind the scenes.”