Source: SKY_Sports
Rooney out to silence critics
Wayne Rooney believes that Manchester United have received some unfair criticism since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Many expected the Red Devils to surrender their dominance of the Premier League after securing three successive league crowns following Ronaldo's record £80million move to Real Madrid.
However, after some decidedly dodgy showings at the start of the season, when United squeezed past Birmingham on the opening day then lost 1-0 at Burnley, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have proved their critics wrong.
The 2-0 win at Stoke coupled with Chelsea's 3-1 defeat at Wigan last weekend saw United climb to the top of the league on goal difference for the first time this season proving there is life after the Portuguese winger.
"Personally I think we came in for some unfair criticism at the start of the season because, although we weren't playing as well as we can do, we were still winning games," Rooney said.
"Yes we lost to Burnley but we have won every game since and yet this week we still got criticised.
"Of course that's always going to happen with a club of this size but we bounced back really well, went top of the league last weekend and are looking to carry on from there."
Another key aspect for Rooney since Ronaldo left is the fact that the team are now sharing the goals around with eight different players already getting their name on the scoresheet in the league this term.
"I think we are playing different football (without Ronaldo)," he added.
"Obviously last season the team was based a lot around Cristiano but this year there's a few more players chipping in with goals, which is great to see."
If United are coping fine without Ronaldo it seems the Fifa World Player of the Year is getting on okay without his old team-mates too.
The 24-year-old scored twice against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to take his tally for Real to nine goals from seven games not that Rooney is surprised.
"It's no surprise to see how well he is doing at Real Madrid, he's rightfully the best player in the world and I'm sure he'll continue to do well," he declared.
