Roy Keane has branded Wayne Rooney as “awful” and said the Manchester United striker should take a long look at himself after his side failed to score against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
United’s 0-0 draw against the Dutch champions has seriously jeopardised their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League as they will need to beat Wolfsburg away in their final group game in two weeks to go through, as PSV are expected to beat CSKA Moscow at home.
“It seemed a strange atmosphere at Old Trafford tonight, they lacked cutting edge,” Keane said.
“You got the impression the players were waiting for something to happen, rather than going and making it happen. Wayne [Rooney] was on about lack of composure and quality, but I think he was as guilty as anybody. He needs to step up to the plate.
“You look at Wayne’s legacy at Old Trafford, it’s absolutely fantastic, his goals record is brilliant. But now he’s the captain there’s more responsibility and I think he’s got to do a lot more.”
The Republic of Ireland assistant manager also questioned some of Rooney’s choices off the pitch, particularly his involvement in a skirmish with WWE superstar Wade Barrett during a Raw event at Manchester Arena on November 9, when the Manchester United captain jokingly slapped the wrestler.
“I always question certain players what are they doing off the field. Last week I saw him slapping a wrestler and I’m thinking ‘Why is he getting involved in all that nonsense?’ There’s no benefit to him. I’d have a look at that side of it,” Keane added.
“It’s certainly not helping him. I wouldn’t begrudge him going out and enjoying himself, but if you’re not at it yourself you’ve got to have a look and lead by example. He didn’t do that tonight. He doesn’t look sharp, he looks awful
“Mentally he doesn’t look really sharp, physically he doesn’t look in great shape. He needs to have a look at himself.”
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