Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney launched his war cry ahead of his team’s crucial Saturday afternoon trip to the Britannia stadium in the Barclays Premier League.
Manchester United, who currently lie outside the top four in 5th position in the league table, have come under a lot of criticism in recent weeks on account of their lacklustre displays in front of goal. The Red Devils have managed to have just 7 seven shots on target in their last 4 Premier League encounters.
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Partly responsible for United’s troubles in front of goal, is the woeful form of Wayne Rooney. Rooney has seemed a mere shadow of his former self this season and has been widely ridiculed by fans and the media for his laboured movement in front of goal. With half the season almost over, Rooney has managed to hit the back of the net just two times.
Rooney: United players need to stick together and fight
Speaking to the club’s official channel MUTV ahead of his side’s clash against Stoke City on Saturday, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney urged his team mates to fight to stay relevant in the title race.
“I think confidence is obviously low and that is understandable because we have had some bad results, but we need to pick it up,a said the Manchester United captain (as quoted by the club’s official website). a We have some important games coming up now, we need to stick together and fight our way through this. We need to try to get maximum points in the next two games because it could be a defining moment in the season.
Wayne Rooney to #MUTV: “We have some important games coming up – we need to stick together and fight through this.” pic.twitter.com/woxqbR9KUZ
a Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 24, 2015
Speaking on the challenges that lie ahead for the club, Rooney said, “We obviously need to go into the game with more confidence and with the attitude that we know we are going to win the game. Sometimes that is doing the simple things right, which can help you a lot, so we have had a good week of training and hopefully we can take some of the sessions into the game, perform well and get the three points against Stoke.”
“Through all of the preparation, we have known a as well as the manager a how important this game is. We all have to stick together and we cana t look too far ahead of the next few days. We have two big games coming up [Stoke and Chelsea] and we need to prepare and be ready for them both.”
The 2-1 defeat against Norwich last weekend was Rooney’s 500th appearance for the club. Asked to comment on his latest achievement, a proud Rooney said, “Yeah of course it was a significant moment. To make 500 appearances for Manchester United is a great honour. Only 10 players have achieved that now and I am obviously proud to have done that.”
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal had earlier walked out of his press conference after being repeatedly questioned about his future with the football club by members of the media.