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Pat Nevin: What impressed me most about this Man United star against Liverpool
PAT NEVIN has lauded Wayne Rooney’s exemplary attitude for Manchester United against Liverpool.
Wayne Rooney - 5 things you need to know
Wayne Rooney came on for Michael Carrick at half-time of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool last Sunday.
The substitution had the desired effect, with United grabbing a late equaliser thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Rooney has struggled to hold down a first-team spot under Jose Mourinho this season, but former Chelsea star-turned-pundit Nevin thinks the game perfectly encompassed the desire and hunger of Rooney.
Wayne Rooney came on as a second-half substitute against Liverpool
Wayne Rooney hasn't been a regular starter under Jose Mourinho
He looks sharper, leaner and the desire is there
“He didn’t start, however he showed the manager from the first minute, he wants a game,” Nevin told BBC Sport.
“He warmed up for the first 45 minutes in his tracksuit bottoms and he was desperate to show the manager he wanted to get on the pitch.
“It was the perfect attitude from Rooney. He got on too quickly, was asked to come off and then back on again.
“He looks sharper, leaner and the desire is there.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit his 14th Premier League goal of the season against Liverpool
“His pride has been hurt by this season - he’s not been good enough.
“I also thinks Jose [Mourinho] has got inside his head and that has made a big difference for Rooney.”
United, who sit sixth in the Premier League table, will be looking to climb above arch-rivals Manchester City at least for a few hours when they face Stoke on Saturday (3pm).
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