1. ITV Report

Rooney hurt by United form

Wayne Rooney Photo: Press Association Images

Wayne Rooney is "hurt" by the way Manchester United's title defence has started and has told his teammates they need to start delivering.

The champions currently sit ninth in the Premier League and are nine points behind Everton who occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot.

With David Moyes still adapting to life in Sir Alex Ferguson's place as manager, the transition has been a long one and questions have been asked of where United are heading on and off the field.


"We all have to step up," he told a number of national newspapers ahead of Sunday's away game with Aston Villa.


Rooney is one United player who could be admonished of blame for United's form. The England international has been the club's stand-out player this season, but still considers himself culpable.



Much has been said about the transfer business Moyes did in the summer and how much he is expected to do in the forthcoming window.

Some have criticised the Scot for his dealings, with others claiming United no longer spend big, but he is adamant that the money is there for him to freshen things up should he so wish.

"We can definitely find the money for a big deal, 100 per cent," he told national newspapers.


"We didn't do it in the end, we didn't quite get there because players had chosen other clubs or made different decisions, but we were close to a couple of major signings and we didn't miss out because of money, that's for sure."