Wayne Rooney: “I know I haven’t played well”

Wayne Rooney has admitted that his form has been below par this season and that he was particularly poor against Aston Villa.

Speaking ahead of Manchester United's home game with Newcastle on Saturday, the England striker was frank about his impotent start to the season. "I've had one bad game this season and everyone's all over it," said Rooney. "I've had that throughout my career, but hopefully at the weekend I can get off the mark." "I'm an honest guy. I know when I don't play well and against Aston Villa I was below my standards. I know that." The 29-year-old hopes that his improved display against Club Brugge signals a change in fortune. "I thought I had a good game [against Brugge]. I could have had a goal or two, but that's football." "It's early on in the season. Three games in, it's time for me to keep going. I've experienced this before and the goals will come. I know that." Rooney is however adamant that he is the right man to spearhead United's attack, and that he will repay the faith that Louis van Gaal has placed in him. "My mind's clear. I know how to play the role," he said. "It's just a case of getting the chances and taking them, which I'm hopefully going to do soon."