Hat-trick relief for Rooney
29 Oct 2006 - 12:21:44
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admitted he was relieved to end his goal drought with a stunning hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
The 21-year-old had not scored since United's 5-1 victory against Fulham on the opening day of the season, but was at his absolute best as the Red Devils demolished Bolton to retain top spot in the Premiership.
"It's good to be back," said Rooney.
"There has been a lot of talk by a lot of people over the last few weeks saying I couldn't do it any more, stuff like that, so the feeling when the first goal went in was brilliant.
"Although I am not too worried about not scoring as long as we get the result, it was a relief, especially as I had gone such a long time without scoring.
"To finish the hat-trick was nice. I am delighted and happy just to be back amongst the goals again and to have secured the three points in what was a big game for us. I'm really proud and happy with the performance."
Rooney's display earned a glowing tribute from Bolton manager Sam Allardyce.
"Wayne has proved beyond doubt he is through his bad patch and why he is quite rightly regarded as the best English player in the Premiership," said Allardyce.
"His hat-trick was well deserved and it just shows the people who were writing him off were talking nonsense.
"Apart from the third goal, there was very little we could do to stop him. The first two were magnificent goals made of outstanding quality."