Alan Pardew wary of Wayne Rooney threat to Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew fears Wayne Rooney's current frustration makes him "dangerous".
The Eagles host Manchester United on Saturday with Rooney's performances coming under increasing scrutiny.
The England captain has scored just two Premier League goals this season and missed a penalty as United crashed out of the Capital One Cup at home to Middlesbrough in midweek.
But Pardew expects Rooney to answer his critics and says Palace will have to be on their guard.
"I think Wayne, throughout most of his career, has been at the top of the pitch or just back one in the number 10 role," said Pardew.
"He plays both roles very well. He is at the top of the pitch now and maybe he is not getting the service he would probably want in that.
"I can see a little bit of frustration in him but that makes him dangerous. Rooney has proved many times, particularly when he gets criticism, that he can deliver.
"We'll be on our guard for Wayne. He's an outstanding player, he's the England captain and we'll give him the respect he deserves."
Palace have lost their last three matches with the 5-1 reverse at City coming on the back of league defeats to West Ham and Leicester.
Injuries have hit them hard, but Pardew hopes to have the likes of Joel Ward, Connor Wickham and Marouanne Chamakh back to full fitness after the international break.
"We have Manchester United and then Liverpool, so this little run is a real test," he added.
"But I still think if a bit of fortune had gone our way we could have picked up points. There is a lot of good news in the background here in terms of the injuries we have had.
"If we can pick up some points in the next two games I'll be really happy, then we will be well set for Newcastle after the international break.
"I'm looking forward to Manchester United. It will be a great occasion. We are very proud to have them here for the third year running, it's the first time that has happened, and it's about time Crystal Palace beat United.
"It's going to be important that our fans stick with us, particularly after a couple of defeats and with the way United play.
"They lull the stadium and take the positivity out of it by keeping possession. We have to keep it bubbling along.
"If we can stay in the game until the last 15 minutes we have a chance of winning it."
Jason Puncheon returns for Palace after missing out at City through illness but Yohan Cabaye needs a late fitness check.
Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal is unconcerned by Paul Scholes' criticism of Manchester United for "lacking creativity", citing the nursery rhyme: "Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me."
Scholes said following the defeat to Middlesbrough that he would not want to play for the current side and that the team appeared unwilling to take any risks.
United's Dutch manager, speaking at his weekly news conference, insisted he does have an attacking philosophy and brushed off Scholes' remarks.
"I think Manchester United is always entertaining but when I read the papers I see that it is boring," said Van Gaal. "You have a saying in England that sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.
"You play for the fans, therefore I say to you that the stadium is still full and that, in the Capital One Cup, is unbelievable. That is not normal, so they like the way we have played.
"In spite of the defeat, when we were going to our dressing room, they were applauding.
"When you go out of the cup, the next day is always like that. As manager of Manchester United you know you're going to have a hard time."
Asked if the next phase in United's development under him was to start taking risks, Van Gaal replied: "Now you are agreeing with the opinion of Paul Scholes. I don't agree with his opinion. I always take risks.
"But I don't want to defend myself as he is a legend and he has a lot of resonance, I hear."
United will be without injured trio Memphis Depay, Antonio Valencia and James Wilson for the game.
Depay and Wilson were both injured against Boro while Valencia hurt his foot in the Manchester derby last weekend.
Ashley Young is pushing for a recall after coming off the bench against Middlesbrough having missed the previous three games while Luke Shaw and Paddy McNair are long-term absentees.
Source: PAR
