Rashford: Rooney criticism ‘unfair; give him time’

Marcus Rashford: Defended Rooney

Marcus Rashford: Defended Rooney

Manchester United’s new kid on the block Marcus Rashford has labelled the criticism of Wayne Rooney “unfair”.

Rashford, 18, believes “all this will go away” for Rooney, who has been struggling for form and who was dropped for last weekend’s 4-1 win over Leicester.

Rashford told The Sun: “Criticism about Wayne is unfair. Definitely. He has won everything for this club.

“He is about to beat the club record for goals, he’s got the England appearance record and goals record, he’s got a lot of achievements and a lot of things to be proud of.

“So I just think – give him time and all this will go away.”

Rooney, who came off the bench against Zorya on Thursday night, ‘assisted’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s winning goal with a shot which bobbled off his knee.

Jose Mourinho admitted he needs to protect Rooney after suggesting the United captain “can’t afford” to perform badly.

The 30-year-old, who could again sit out Sunday’s game with Stoke, expected to return to the side for the Europa League clash, but was on the bench.

Marcus Rashford Manchester United v Aston Villa

“I was completely convinced of playing him tomorrow,” Mourinho said ahead of the Zorya clash.

“I’m not sure if I do that because with the situation that you create to him I think he really can’t afford to have a performance that is not really good and I am here to protect him and have to analyse the best thing for him.

“If he is not totally ready for it, I will discuss that with the medical staff.”