Former Manchester United ace Phil Neville has consistently defended Wayne Rooney amid criticism of his performances this season, and that didn’t change on Wednesday.
Speaking after United’s win over Northampton Town in the EFL Cup, Neville was asked to analyse the England captain’s performance and was adamant that he ‘did ok’.
As seen in the video below on Sky Sports from around the eight-minute and 30 seconds mark, Neville defended Rooney from criticism and criticised the constant changing of his position with the 30-year-old starting as the lone forward before drifting out to the right.
Neville is convinced that is playing a part in Rooney being unable to reach top form, but expects him to continue to feature in the starting line-up, starting this weekend against Leicester City.
Rooney has come in for a lot of criticism this season due to his performances for United thus far, and that didn’t change on Wednesday despite the fact that Jose Mourinho’s men advanced to the next round.
Neville’s defence of the England international also drew plenty of disgruntled United fans in his direction, and it’s fair to say that the comments weren’t particularly kind on him.
Phil Neville said Rooney has to play against Leicester then proceeded to make excuses as to why he’s playing like a 90-year old grandma.
— Ryan Evans (@Rye_Evans87) September 21, 2016
Phil Neville actually just said he’d start Rooney on Saturday. Surely the end of his pundit career. There’s bias and then there’s that.
— Jaydn_MUFC (@JaydnMUFC) September 21, 2016
Phil Neville saying Rooney had “a couple of half chances” shows how much the media lick his arse. HE MISSED AN OPEN NET FFS
— Cam Fan (@CBJUltra) September 21, 2016
Phil Neville ” Rooney’s done OK”
This is why you shouldn’t have pundits on games their mates are playing in.— Daz (@daz_brooks) September 21, 2016
Can’t see how Phil Neville thinks #Rooney has done ok. He hasn’t done anything to analyse apart from missing a sitter. #mufc
— Warren Haughton (@WarrenHaughton) September 21, 2016
Phil Neville on Rooney: “He’s been just okay”
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) September 21, 2016