Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Garth Crooks: This Man United star should be getting more praise than he does
GARTH CROOKS has launched a staunch defence of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.
Wayne Rooney - 5 things you need to know
Wayne Rooney became Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer on Saturday (250) when he netted an injury-time equaliser against Stoke.
The 31-year-old has struggled to nail down a first-team spot under Jose Mourinho this term.
Rooney has been linked with a mega-money move to China, with suggestions his Old Trafford career is winding down.
Wayne Rooney now has 250 goals to his name for Manchester United
Jose Mourinho saw Wayne Rooney break Sir Bobby Charlton's record
This is a player who deserves all the plaudits. After all, he's earned them
But BBC Sport pundit Crooks thinks Rooney’s critics need to lay off him.
Discussing Rooney’s achievement in breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record, Crooks told BBC Sport: “He's only gone and done it. Wayne Rooney has broken Sir Bobby Charlton's record and Bobby was there to see it. 250 not out.
“It was a landmark goal by the best team player of his generation.
“Rooney was so consumed in his post-match interview by the fact that Manchester United had salvaged a point in such difficult circumstances that his record-breaking exploit had become secondary.”
Garth Crooks has lauded Wayne Rooney
On his admiration for Rooney as a player, Crooks added: “This typified a player who I have grown to greatly respect over the years.
“He never misses an England match if called upon and plays for his club in any position when required.
“Rooney stood up to Sir Alex Ferguson (and quite rightly) when he felt his manager wasn't buying the players befitting of Manchester United, prolonged David Moyes' tenure at the club with virtuoso performances having been told he was surplus to requirements - and now sits on the bench without a moment's fuss or hesitation under Jose Mourinho, waiting to come to the rescue if needed.
“This is a player who deserves all the plaudits. After all, he's earned them.”
United, who are sixth in the table, face Hull in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie on Thursday (7:45pm).
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?